NorthJersey

We’ve had one of our most important days in NJ history when it comes to clean energy. On the same day that the Board of Public Utilities took the first major step in making offshore wind a reality, Oyster Creek nuclear plant closed for good. This is a sign of how we are transitioning from dirty energy to cleaner, safer energy.

The plan to open solicitations for wind developers for 1,100 megawatts of wind off our coasts is the most ambitious wind plan in the nation. This moves us forward with Murphy’s goal of 3,500 megawatts by 2030. Wind power can provide a third of New Jersey's electrical needs without contributing to climate change or air pollution.

At the same time, the oldest nuclear plant in the country is finally closing. We have been fighting to close the Oyster Creek plant in Lacey Township for years because of safety and environmental concerns. The plant was a disaster waiting to happen, and it also polluted Barnegat Bay. Now that it’s finally closed, we can put more energy into moving the state forward with renewable energy.

If we truly want a clean-energy future, we must stop fossil fuel infrastructure in New Jersey with a moratorium on power plants and pipelines. To reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, New Jersey must have policies that support renewable energy and stop fossil fuel projects. We’re off to a great start, but we still have a long way to go to transition from dangerous energy to a green economy.

Jeff Tittel

Trenton, Sept. 19

The writer is director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.