As New Jersey confronts the growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, it is increasingly crucial for local environmental organizations to support renewable energy solutions. Of the 129 years of weather data in New Jersey, the 10 warmest summers have all been recorded during the past 25 years. The confluence of more frequent and severe storms, as well as rising sea levels, leads to increased and extensive flooding within our watershed region. The resulting floods discharge pollution into rivers and damage the surrounding environments.
Recognizing the intertwined nature of climate resilience and sustainable energy, we are compelled to seek innovative solutions that not only mitigate environmental threats but also pave the way for a greener future. This is where wind energy plays a critical role by providing a practical approach to improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship.
This synergy is already happening through ongoing research on regional wildlife, environmental education and a fast-growing marine career sector. For these synergies to be fully realized, it is critical that we advance complex — and necessary — renewable energy projects.
Since 1997, Hackensack Riverkeeper has played a pivotal role helping restore habitats throughout the Hackensack River Watershed. Through our river cleanups, stewardship projects and, most recently, water quality monitoring programs, we see cleaner water and ever-improving ecosystems. The resurgence of biodiversity is evident in the more than 300 species of birds — including bald eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons — that inhabit the Meadowlands, plus the river’s healthy, growing populations of fish and other aquatic life.
In New Jersey, partnerships between offshore wind developers and conservation groups can lead to groundbreaking research that informs both conservation and energy practices. Needless to say, installation of offshore wind turbines requires comprehensive environmental assessments, which include extensive studies on resident and migratory wildlife. Such studies provide invaluable data on the behavior, migration patterns and population dynamics of birds, fish and marine mammals.
Hackensack Riverkeeper knows firsthand how local conservation and education programs dovetail with the environmental stewardship initiatives championed by the offshore wind developer Attentive Energy. In 2024 — the second season in a row — Attentive Energy supported our youth Eco-Cruises and related programs, all of which focus on environmental conservation. Our partnership, which hosts area schools from Hudson and Bergen counties, educates students about the river’s ecological importance, biodiversity in New Jersey’s waterways, and careers in maritime and environmental science.
In particular, Hackensack Riverkeeper empowers young people from overburdened communities by providing them with knowledge and tools to become effective stewards of their local environment. Through our education programs and hands-on experiences, they learn the importance of environmental protection and are encouraged to advocate for environmental justice. The urgency to transition to a clean energy future is especially crucial for communities that have been disproportionately affected by pollution.
The burgeoning offshore wind industry presents a unique opportunity to engage and educate young people on environmental and marine careers through immersive opportunities. By introducing students to the principles of renewable energy, conservation and marine biology, local groups can (and must) inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
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Each school year, Hackensack Riverkeeper educators and Attentive Energy staffers team up for Eco-Cruises and at public-facing events to speak with students about both the engineering and environmental aspects of wind energy. During those times, we work to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between clean energy production and environmental conservation, encouraging young people to consider pursuing careers that support sustainable development.
By advocating for policies that advance offshore wind, conservation groups can also help ensure that those projects are implemented in an environmentally responsible manner. This advocacy can include pushing for stringent environmental standards, promoting community engagement and securing funding for related conservation initiatives. In doing so, we can create a supportive framework that properly balances the need for renewable energy with the imperative to protect, preserve and restore our natural ecosystems.
Capt. Bill Sheehan is the founder and executive director of Hackensack Riverkeeper Inc., which he launched in 1997. For more information or to reach the organization, visit hackensackriverkeeper.org.
