Ocean County Leader

The emergency closure of six Nantucket beaches this week, prompted by hazardous debris from a broken offshore wind turbine, has sparked significant concern. Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) commented, “The emergency closing of six Nantucket beaches this week while federal safety officials race to clean up large hazardous debris from a broken offshore wind turbine is ‘a preview of what’s to come in New Jersey if Governor Murphy gets his way with the massive offshore wind projects he is pursuing.’”

According to the Nantucket Harbormaster, “all south shore beaches are closed to swimming, due to large floating debris and sharp fiberglass shards.” Vineyard Wind, the corporation responsible for the turbine, stated that the debris “was not hazardous to people” but still advised the public against touching it.

“These alarming reports show how these offshore wind turbines—some of which reach as high as the Chrysler Building—can put beachgoers at risk, contaminate our food supply, and threaten our tourism industry which relies on open beaches, especially during this peak of the summer season,” Smith added.

Smith emphasized that federal safety officials have shut down the Vineyard Wind project indefinitely. He cited this incident as another example of recent offshore wind failures.

“Despite many offshore wind failures like this one and numerous studies, Governor Murphy and the Biden Administration continue to turn a blind eye to the serious hazards inherent to these projects that endanger our marine environment, wildlife, radar navigation, national security, and tourism,” Smith continued.

Smith has consistently highlighted issues with Governor Murphy's planned offshore wind projects for New Jersey. He has led congressional efforts to expose what he sees as harmful effects of offshore wind industrialization.

At a congressional hearing last year, Smith questioned BOEM’s Director Liz Klein about studies on the safety and survivability of offshore wind turbines in hurricanes. Klein responded that she would follow up with more information; however, Smith has yet to receive an answer.

Additionally, Smith secured an independent investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) into various impacts of wind turbines. This audit remains ongoing.

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