Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s recent approval for Danish offshore wind developer Orsted to begin construction on New Jersey’s first offshore wind project:

            “The Biden Administration is once again recklessly greenlighting the unprecedented offshore wind industrialization of our shore before we know all of the potentially catastrophic impacts of these projects.

            Along with the significant environmental, economic and military navigational threats posed, these massive industrial offshore wind projects are questionable financially.

            Just a few days ago, this problem was made clear when New Jersey Democrats agreed to redirect tax credits—which were designed to help ratepayers—to instead prop up Orsted, who had threatened to walk away because of mounting costs that should have been anticipated in the first place.

            Not surprisingly, another wind corporation is now requesting the same taxpayer-funded benefit from the Murphy Administration.

            In March, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed my amendment requiring a comprehensive study by the Government Accountability Office into how these projects will impact our environment, fishing industry, military operations, navigational safety and tourism-driven economy. That investigation is now underway.

            These offshore wind projects must—at a minimum—be paused until the Government Accountability Office concludes its ongoing independent investigation. New Jersey residents deserve to have their concerns addressed and questions answered.”

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