WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that a proposed New Jersey wind energy project has received one of seven competitive federal grants of up to $4 million to evaluate and plan an offshore wind energy installation. The funding, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will support plans at Fishermen’s Energy’s Atlantic City Windfarm to install six wind turbines in state waters three miles off the coast of Atlantic City.

“New Jersey has a proud history of innovation, and this federal funding will help ensure that our state is on the cutting edge of wind energy technology,” said Lautenberg. “Clean energy initiatives like this one support new businesses, create local jobs, and make the air our children breathe cleaner. Today’s announcement is a big win for New Jersey’s economy and our environment.”

“New Jersey has the most abundant offshore wind resources in the nation. If we can develop the technology and make smart investments, we can make our state the center of this emerging industry – creating good jobs, boosting our economy, and improving the environment,” said Menendez.

In addition to the current funding, this grant qualifies Fishermen Energy’s Atlantic City Windfarm project to compete for a second round of DOE funding, which could provide additional federal support for the construction and commercialization phases.

Senators Lautenberg and Menendez are long time supporters of the Fishermen’s Energy project and are working in Washington to help support New Jersey as a leader in offshore wind energy innovation. The Senators are cosponsors of legislation to provide tax incentives for wind energy investment and support extending Production Tax Credits (PTC) for wind energy.

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