An April 14, 2025 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has brought attention to the possible adverse effects of offshore wind turbines on radar systems essential for national security and navigation. This report supports concerns raised by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) over potential national security, aviation, and maritime safety issues resulting from interference caused by wind turbines. According to the GAO report, “wind turbines can reduce the performance of radar systems used for defense and maritime navigation and safety in several ways.”
The report notes that offshore wind turbines could hinder military operations by disrupting air and sea vessel movements. It also explains that wind turbines constructed mainly from steel possess high electromagnetic reflectivity, making it difficult for radar systems to clearly detect targets. This could potentially impact vessel navigation, including operations by the US Navy and Coast Guard.
In light of these concerns, Rep. Smith has urged a halt to offshore wind projects, including Empire Wind 1, citing a “dangerous and reckless” threat to national security. He had previously pushed for a GAO investigation in a House-passed amendment, though the Senate did not approve it. Despite this, he continued to pressure for transparency regarding the impact of wind turbines.
The GAO report also highlights the risk of collisions between large vessels and wind turbines, especially in mechanical failure scenarios where large ships require a significant turning radius to avoid obstacles. Smaller vessels, the report warns, might be obscured on radar, posing additional safety risks.
Smith has long voiced concerns over the wind energy projects near the Jersey Shore, warning of risks from turbines that could match the size of the Chrysler Building. He criticizes the recent collaboration between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Department of Defense, arguing that projects might have been approved without proper vetting for national security impacts.
Smith hopes the GAO’s findings will prompt reconsideration of offshore wind initiatives, which he argues have ignored significant environmental and safety questions. “The GAO report confirms that there are still many, many unaddressed and unanswered questions,” Smith stated.
“The offshore wind industrialization approval process has left unaddressed and unanswered numerous serious questions,” Smith added, urging for the initiative’s cessation. “Ocean wind energy development is an egregiously flawed and dangerous initiative and must be stopped.”
