POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ – Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) voiced his concerns about the offshore wind industrialization initiatives by President Biden and Governor Murphy during a rally at Point Pleasant Beach. Smith has been actively questioning the initiatives and is the author of two House measures demanding deeper investigations into the impact of offshore wind projects.
Rep. Smith expressed his dismay that approximately 3,400 ocean wind turbines could be installed without community consultation. “We say no—enough is enough,” he emphasized. He expressed serious reservations about the lack of transparency and answers to pressing environmental and security questions.
To address these concerns, Smith has successfully pushed for two amendments. The first tasks the Government Accountability Office (GAO) with investigating the environmental review processes of various federal agencies concerning offshore wind projects. The GAO’s report will assess the potential impacts on marine life, fishing, tourism, and radar interference, among others.
The second amendment requires a certification ensuring offshore wind turbines don’t interfere with radars critical to the Federal Aviation Administration or the Armed Forces. This comes after various global reports highlighting potential risks to radar systems from offshore wind turbines, including concerns raised by Taiwan, Finland, and Japan’s military.
Smith also cited financial concerns, referencing a comment by Brian Lipman, Director of New Jersey’s Division of Rate Counsel, which suggested that a Murphy-backed law could increase electricity rates for consumers.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of protecting the pristine New Jersey coastline, stating, “For all of these reasons and more, ocean wind development off our absolutely amazing and beautiful coast must be stopped. Enough is enough.”
