New Jersey Representatives Call for Halt of Offshore Wind Projects, Probe of Whale Deaths

Various state, county, and federal officials of New Jersey want an independent inquiry into the reasons behind the increased number of beached whales and dolphins on New Jersey’s shores. They also called for the suspension of offshore wind turbine projects.

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) stated during the press conference that the beached whales and dolphins are an early warning that we can’t ignore. The congressmen introduced a bill proposing that the Government Accountability Office conduct an investigation into the factors leading to the marine mammals’ deaths. Smith denounces the fact that government scientists appear unconcerned or oblivious to the situation.

“It’s a very well-hidden initiative by our governor and President Joe Biden,” Smith explained.

The bill is concurrent with the introduction of Resolution 181, which proposes a moratorium on sonar surveys and wind turbine mapping, filed by two New Jersey State Assembly members, Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger and Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn.

“Any investigation should be done by parties with no connection to any of this,” she said.

Thomas Arnone, Commissioner Director of Monmouth County in New Jersey, stated that the county commissioners have adopted a resolution to investigate. He emphasized that it is their responsibility to protect Seven Presidents Park as a public asset;

“It’s a simple equation, just stop, investigate, and tell us why,” Arnone said.

The offshore wind turbine work has been a source of controversy along both coasts, with reports of dead marine mammals, complaints from the commercial fishing industry, and coastal communities concerned about possible damage to tourism.

Officials and scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have consistently stated that there is no evidence that the project harms the animals.

On April 4, NOAA published a report acknowledging that the work may have an adverse effect on the animals, but denied that it could cause their deaths.

According to Congressman Smith, “adverse effect” means “serious, serious harm.”

“We’ll see more and more whales washing up on our shores as time goes on and more of this is done,” he said.

According to the New