U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew is expressing his “complete opposition” to the implementation of wind farm projects off the South Jersey coast that he says are being rushed by President Joe Biden and Gov. Phil Murphy.
“Since these offshore wind projects were announced, I have expressed my concerns and reservations, and they have not wavered,” Van Drew said in a statement. “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,” he continued.
Van Drew said his 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.”
“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,” he said. “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. I will hold hearings and I will get answers.”
