A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office confirms what many of us in labor, manufacturing, and environmental circles have known for years: responsibly developed offshore wind is one of the most effective tools we have to fight climate change, reduce pollution, and protect public health — all while fueling our economy.
The GAO report found that offshore wind energy projects currently planned along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts could reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent by 2035. The report also makes clear that these projects, when guided by strong science and community engagement, pose no documented threat to marine mammals — a critical point as misinformation campaigns seek to stall progress.
But what’s not getting enough attention is what this all means for our economy.
Since the Industrial Revolution, the U.S. has been a global leader in innovation production and new technologies for other parts of the world. Today, manufacturing remains a cornerstone of our economy, contributing 10% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product in 2023 and employing 15.6 million workers, with an average annual income of $102,629. Additionally, manufactured goods represent a significant share of U.S. exports, helping to balance trade deficits and generate revenue from international markets.
According to a report by the Oceantic Network, offshore wind manufacturing and supply chain investments have already totaled $6.1 billion. The Northeast region alone houses 38% of those supply chain contracts. Offshore wind not only creates an economic boon for coastal states where power will be generated. Businesses in the supply chain and manufacturers are economic powerhouses for the heartland states: There are 1,600 supplier contracts in 40 states.
New Jersey began its offshore wind journey in August 2010, under the leadership of former Gov. Chris Christie, when the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act was signed into law. In recent years, the NJ Board of Public Utilities issued three offshore wind solicitation awards and was on the verge of issuing a fourth under the Murphy administration. We were well positioned to attract new manufacturing to the state. The state broke ground in Lower Alloways Creek in Salem County in 2021 to build the first purpose-built port in the U.S. for offshore wind assembly, manufacturing and marshalling with 60-70 acres dedicated to manufacturing facilities. Fully built out, the wind port was slated to bring 1,500 jobs, many of them manufacturing, and add $500 million annually to the economy. Now the fate of the wind port is unknown with the real possibility of losing all those good paying manufacturing jobs in Salem County.
The economic consequences of delaying or abandoning offshore wind go beyond Salem County. Offshore wind presents a statewide economic cornerstone. A 2024 white paper from the NJ Manufacturing Extension Program analyzed the state’s manufacturing sector and found that New Jersey manufacturers are well-positioned to participate in, and benefit from, offshore wind supply chains and projects. Offshore wind is not just about clean energy, it is also a catalyst for expanding our existing manufacturing base and creating statewide jobs.
Energy forecasts across the state, Northeast and country indicate that demand for electricity will only continue rising. To meet this growing demand, both New Jersey and the nation must expand power generation capacity. Offshore wind is a largely untapped resource that can help meet this need while reducing reliance on foreign energy sources.
We agree with the federal administration’s stance that energy should come from American sources and the goal should be energy independence, however recent actions aimed at pulling the plug on offshore wind are in direct contradiction to this goal. Right now, we should be investing in offshore wind, creating thousands of good-paying supply chain and manufacturing jobs, and generating tens of thousands of megawatts of clean American power, not working to stop it from becoming a reality.
Failing to move forward on offshore wind would be a costly mistake. It would mean walking away from billions of dollars in investments, forfeiting thousands of manufacturing jobs in communities that were preparing for the work, and abandoning a power source that can help fuel our energy future.
Offshore wind can be a key component of a comprehensive, self-sufficient domestic energy strategy. It’s not just a reliability resource — it is a strategic imperative. Now is the time to double down on this investment and secure the jobs, energy security, and economic benefits that offshore wind offers.
Debra Coyle is the executive director of the NJ Work Environment Council, a coalition of labor, community and environmental organizations working for safe, secure jobs and a healthy sustainable environment.
