Van Drew vows to hold hearings on Jersey Shore wind farms if the GOP takes Congress

Governor Murphy’s wind farm boondoggle is being fast tracked, Save Jerseyans, and Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R, NJ-02) says he’s planning to hold hearings in 2023.

“Since these offshore wind projects were announced, I have expressed my concerns and reservations, and they have not wavered,” said Van Drew on Friday. “While renewable energy could be an important step forward for enhancing American energy independence, it cannot fully replace nuclear, natural gas, and oil. President Biden is begging foreign adversaries for oil, energy prices are at an all-time high, and we have no idea how these projects will further increase those prices. This attempt by Governor Murphy to implement offshore wind projects is nothing but the manifestation of President Biden’s Green New Deal policies which South Jersey wants nothing to do with.”

Van Drew’s district includes all of Cape May and Atlantic Counties as well as part of Ocean County, the heart of the Jersey Shore where the prospect of massive offshore development remains unpopular.

“My concerns stem from the unknown environmental impacts of these projects, the potential impacts on tourism and ocean-related recreational activity, the potential impacts on the fishing industry, and the lack of transparency with the public,” added Van Drew. “I have spoken with fishermen who feel as though their voices have been completely ignored from offshore wind companies, despite countless promises of inclusion and consultation on layout and location. I, along with South Jerseyans, have not received any clear answer as to what the impacts will be to South Jersey.”

“This will change next Congress,” he continued. “I will hold hearings and I will get answers.”

Naturally, Van Drew’s ability to make a hearing happen is likely tied to Republicans taking over the U.S. House of Representatives.

The ex-Democrat from Cape May County currently serves on the House Homeland Security Committee Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Aviation Subcommittee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.

Matt Rooney
About Matt Rooney 8403 Articles
MATT ROONEY is SaveJersey.com's founder and editor-in-chief, a practicing New Jersey attorney, and the host of 'The Matt Rooney Show' on 1210 WPHT every Sunday evening from 7-10PM EST.