Seven whales have now washed dead on New Jersey beaches in recent weeks, Save Jerseyans, and as we’ve previously reported, scientists and activists are concerned that offshore wind exploration is playing a role.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R, NJ-02) who represents a large chunk of the Jersey Shore, is now demanding a cessation of offshore wind activity.
“Since offshore wind projects were being proposed by Governor Murphy to be built off the coast of New Jersey, I have been adamantly opposed to any activity moving forward until research disclosed the impacts these projects would have on our environment and the impacts on the fishing industry,” said Van Drew on Friday. “Ocean life is being put at risk as our Governor and President force through their Green New Deal policies, without giving full consideration to their real-world impacts. We have seen a complete lack of transparency from New Jersey’s leaders, as well as D.C. politicians who are ramming through these projects in order to push their climate agenda.”
Van Drew’s comments come in the same week that Governor Murphy announced yet another offshore wind project despite a glaring lack of activity demonstrated to date.
“Atlantic Shores’ commitment in Salem County affirms the critical importance of the Wind Port to the nation’s offshore wind industry and toward a more robust, sustainable New Jersey economy,” said Governor Murphy on Wednesday.“New Jersey’s leadership in offshore wind is on the rise, bringing with it significant catalytic investment, family-sustaining career opportunities, and the promise of a healthier environment for future generations.”
Notwithstanding Murphy’s confidence, the state isn’t close to meeting its ambitious energy output goals derived from wind energy. In fact, as of October 2022, New Jersey needed to construct and bring online one offshore wind turbine every 13 days for the next 28 years in order to keep pace with the Murphy Administration’s green energy-obsessed “Energy Master Plan” to make the Garden State carbon neutral by mid-century.
“Once committees for the 118th Congress are finalized, I will be calling for congressional investigations into the matter,” added Van Drew. “I demand that all offshore wind activity be halted until it is properly determined what the effects of these activities are having on our marine life.”
