Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) issued a statement in response to the Biden Administration’s approval of the Atlantic Shores South offshore wind proposal, which includes 195 offshore wind turbines with transmission cables making landfall in Sea Girt and affecting several other Jersey Shore towns.

"In spite of the many major offshore wind failures to date, the Biden Administration continues to recklessly jam through its approval of the Atlantic Shores South project—which includes 195 offshore wind turbines with transmission cables making landfall in Sea Girt and disrupting several other Jersey Shore towns," Smith stated.

Smith emphasized that these turbines would significantly impact commercial and recreational fishermen, radar navigation, national security, and tourism. "Unquestionably, these 195 wind turbines will have devastating effects on the livelihood of commercial and recreational fishermen, radar navigation, national security, and tourism—and pounding them into the ocean floor across more than 102,000 acres of seabed will fundamentally transform our marine environment and wildlife."

Despite these concerns, Smith criticized the administration's stance on mitigating adverse impacts. "Despite these facts and against all reason, the Biden Administration arrogantly insists that it can ‘mitigate’ the admitted adverse impacts of this project."

Smith also questioned the economic viability of such projects. "It is inconceivable that the Biden Administration continues to ignore the clear and overwhelming evidence that these projects pose immense dangers to our environment and are nowhere close to being economically viable—regardless of how much hard-earned taxpayer dollars are thrown at them."

Referencing a recent Supreme Court decision, Smith noted: "Just last week in its Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision (reversing Chevron deference), the Supreme Court put bureaucrats and federal agencies on notice about running roughshod over the genuine concerns of people. I will continue to fight with our local communities so that their voices are heard.”

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