Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., announced his collaboration with President-elect Donald Trump on an executive order to halt new offshore wind energy projects, signaling a renewed Republican effort to curb renewable energy initiatives along the East Coast, The Hill reported.
Van Drew revealed Tuesday that the proposed measure, which aims to significantly restrict wind energy projects, is expected to be finalized within months of Trump's inauguration.
"This executive order is just the beginning," Van Drew stated. "We will fight tooth and nail to prevent this offshore wind catastrophe from wreaking havoc on the hardworking people who call our coastal towns home."
Van Drew's southern New Jersey district, known for its picturesque beach towns like Cape May, Atlantic City, and Long Beach Island, is at the center of growing tensions over offshore wind projects.
In July, the Biden administration approved the Garden State's first wind farm, a 200-turbine initiative by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. The project, which would be visible from Long Beach Island, is part of a broader push to expand wind energy infrastructure on both U.S. coasts.
Trump, a longstanding critic of renewable energy, has frequently dismissed wind turbines as inefficient, unattractive, and harmful to wildlife. He reiterated these concerns during a recent press conference, where he vowed to seek an end to new offshore wind energy initiatives in his second term.
"We're going to try and have a policy where no windmills are being built," Trump said, adding that he would issue an executive order "on day one" of his campaign to halt such projects.
Critics of wind energy often cite its environmental impact on wildlife. According to the American Bird Conservancy, existing data suggests that turbines kill hundreds of thousands of birds annually, with some estimates reaching over 1 million as turbine installations increase.
However, house cats and buildings are responsible for significantly higher bird mortality rates.
Concerns have also emerged over the impact of turbines on marine life, particularly whales. Yet the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported "no significant evidence" linking offshore wind turbines to increased whale deaths.
Despite these findings, the debate over renewable energy continues to be a polarizing issue in U.S. politics, particularly along the East Coast, where beach communities grapple with the balance between environmental concerns and economic opportunities.
Van Drew's announcement highlights the growing Republican opposition to the Biden administration's renewable energy agenda, framing offshore wind development as a threat to coastal communities and local economies.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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