It’s no secret to anyone that states both up and down the East Coast have been working hard to earn their place as the offshore wind leader of the country, and this has been going on for a few years. So far, states such as Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia, and New York have made great efforts and big pushes towards that goal. But now, it’s New Jersey’s turn to play their cards.

Governor Phil Murphy made an important announcement not long ago, and his plan is to double the New Jersey’s offshore wind efforts to reach 7,500 MW by 2035. This is great news for the environment, for the economy, and for the overall future of the state and the country at large. According to Murphy, their goal is to make New Jersey the global core of offshore wind, which is as ambitious as it is commendable.

New Jersey’s new target for offshore wind means it would supply as much as half of the electricity the state requires. Only New York’s commitment is large, which means New Jersey is on the right track to achieve their primary goal.

According to the Board of Public Utilities, the 7,500-MW goal is 100% achievable. By 2030, they plan on having 3,500 MW (and maybe even more than that). The goal by 2035 is very much achievable, and it seems that their intense commitment to reaching this goal is both technologically and economically sound. This greater offshore wind commitment will also create a significant number of jobs in the state. More than 460 companies have registered in the New Jersey Offshore Wind Supply Chain Registry—and when you consider the benefits, it’s no surprise that so many companies are jumping on the bandwagon.

According to the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind, New Jersey’s greater commitment to offshore wind represents a $70 billion supply chain opportunity; moreover, according to the Workforce Development Institute and the US Department of Energy, 74 different occupations are needed to build an offshore wind farm and over 36,000 new jobs can be created by offshore wind.

It’s Governor Murphy’s belief that wind power is the one energy source that provides the most economic growth and electricity—and he has a point. The New Jersey move just provides more proof that the country is ready to fully adopt offshore wind. This is important not only for the future of renewables in the country but also for the country’s economy, the environment, and the future of clean energy. It’s important that more and more states make an effort to adopt these clean energy sources. Not just because it’s the right move but because it’s a challenge to other states, which means more and more will join in when they see the results for themselves.

I’d say this is the kind of healthy competition that will make America stronger and more prosperous in the end—not to mention bringing the country closer to the goal of more energy independent. Offshore wind commitment is essential for America’s growth, and I look forward to seeing the other states follow New Jersey’s example.