Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith has expressed strong criticism over a recent memorandum of understanding between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The agreement is aimed at collaborating on offshore wind development, but Smith argues it raises significant concerns about whether previously approved projects were adequately vetted for potential impacts on national security and military readiness.

Smith stated, "It is extremely disconcerting that BOEM is only now deciding to define roles and duties with the Defense Department for offshore wind leasing and project review after 10 projects have already been fully approved by the Biden-Harris Administration with more lined up."

He further noted that BOEM's analysis for the Atlantic Shores South project indicated interference with federal and military radar systems, including Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Despite this, full federal approval was granted before establishing this new collaboration with DOD.

The memorandum outlines intentions for BOEM and DOD to collaborate early in the leasing process, maintain regular communication, and identify areas to defer from leasing to support DOD activities.

Smith criticized the timing of this agreement, describing it as an inadequate response to longstanding issues. He remarked, "Anyone who has been paying close attention to the shoddy and reckless approval process for these offshore wind projects will not be fooled by this after-the-fact proposal—which is far too little and far too late."

In Congress, Smith has been vocal about potential threats posed by rapid offshore wind industrialization to national security. Last year, he introduced legislation requiring presidential certification that such projects would not compromise radar capabilities used by federal agencies or armed forces. This legislative effort followed a congressional hearing where BOEM Director Liz Klein did not provide specifics on safety concerns related to military vessel navigation.

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