Ocean County Leader

In a correspondence to the Secretary of the Interior, Rep. Chris Smith from New Jersey has expressed concern over Equinor’s plan to commence construction on the Empire Wind project. This project, located off the coast of New Jersey and New York, is set to move forward despite a presidential order, issued by former President Trump, that paused new offshore wind farm approvals.

Equinor, a Norwegian energy company, announced it would begin subsea rock installation within the Empire Wind 1 Lease area, as soon as this month. "This announcement comes despite President Trump’s order which specifically references the need to examine shortcomings in the approval process for offshore wind, including potential inadequacies in various environmental reviews," Smith highlighted.

Rep. Smith criticized the approval process under the Biden Administration, calling it "completely inadequate" for not addressing critical issues regarding national security and environmental and economic impacts on nearby communities. He warned of potential catastrophic disruptions in vital waters and possible negative effects on radar systems.

Smith also mentioned that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has not offered a compelling case concerning solutions to anticipated offshore wind-related issues in the Northeast. He noted a long-standing effort to ensure rigorous scrutiny and proper environmental assessment of such projects.

Previously, Smith had championed legislation, passed by the House in July 2023, demanding presidential certification to ensure that wind projects do not compromise radar systems used by the FAA or the military. This year, he commended President Trump's executive order on offshore wind, pledging to continue his advocacy for greater oversight of these projects.

The detailed press release can be accessed at Chris Smith's official website.