Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey announced plans to collaborate with the Trump administration on drafting a forthcoming executive order that would temporarily pause offshore wind turbine activities on the East Coast. The order aims to provide a period for the administration to review the industry and potentially implement long-term restrictions on wind farms.
Van Drew, a Republican representing Atlantic City and a significant portion of New Jersey's southern coast, anticipates the executive order to be finalized within the first few months of the administration. President Trump has expressed a longstanding disapproval of offshore wind projects and recently raised concerns about their impact on whale populations, despite scientific consensus indicating no direct link between wind turbines and whale deaths.
Several offshore wind companies have proposed projects along New Jersey's coast, but some initiatives have been abandoned due to financial challenges and the high costs associated with completing the developments. While the Biden administration has approved significant offshore wind projects, the industry has faced obstacles such as supply chain disruptions and elevated expenses, hindering its progress.
