Republicans are rejoicing after the cancellation of two offshore wind farms that were set to be built off the coast of New Jersey. Orsted, the company behind the projects, announced on Tuesday that it was scrapping its planned Ocean Wind 1 and 2 initiatives. The GOP, including former President Trump, who has long been critical of wind energy, expressed their satisfaction over the decision.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump hailed the cancellation as a victory and commended GOP Rep. Jeff Van Drew for his efforts in defeating the projects. Trump referred to the wind farms as "horrendous" and argued that they required substantial government subsidies and ultimately proved unworkable. It is noted that Trump has previously made unfounded claims linking wind energy to cancer.

Van Drew, a former Democrat, also celebrated the cancellation on X (formerly known as Twitter). He expressed his relief that Orsted had decided to abandon its offshore wind plans, asserting that South Jersey's picturesque coastline would remain untouched. Van Drew referred to the development as a "tremendous win" for the residents, fishermen, and the historic shore of New Jersey.

Joining in the chorus of support for the decision, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) expressed hope that other similar projects would face similar setbacks. Smith applauded Orsted's withdrawal, stating that it highlighted the economic unsustainability and environmental dangers associated with offshore wind turbines. He further suggested that this move could slow down or even halt future wind projects off the coast of New Jersey.

Orsted cited challenges in the supply chain, construction delays, and rising interest rates as reasons for the cancellation. However, the company's CEO, Mads Nipper, emphasized that they still believe that offshore wind is crucial to achieving the US's carbon emissions reduction goals.

The cancellation comes as a blow to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D), who had supported the projects and offered a tax break for them earlier this year. Governor Murphy criticized Orsted's decision, describing it as "outrageous" and questioning the credibility and competence of the company.

According to recent polling by Monmouth University, the popularity of offshore wind in New Jersey has declined in the past few years. While over three-quarters of New Jerseyans supported it in 2019, now just over half are in favor.

Despite this setback, the Biden administration remains committed to offshore wind as a key component in its efforts to combat climate change. The administration aims to generate enough offshore wind energy by 2030 to power 10 million homes in the US.

The cancellation of the New Jersey offshore wind projects has given Republicans cause for celebration, while proponents of wind energy and Governor Murphy express disappointment over the lost opportunity to harness clean and renewable energy from the Atlantic Ocean.