By Sia Satish • Youth Committee Member
Wind energy, an advantageous renewable energy source, could help prevent the extreme effects of climate change that are predicted to occur if greenhouse gas production is not significantly reduced. This energy source–already widely employed in countries around the world–is one of our best hopes to achieve net zero emissions and a transition to a sustainable economy.
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a statement on March 15, 2023, regarding the rise in whale mortalities off the East Coast. In that statement, the DEP quashed allegations that offshore wind energy is the cause of humpback whale deaths.
Offshore wind power is ocean wind transformed into electricity on land. It is a clean and renewable source of energy. Moreover, the turbines will operate quietly and far away from land, the industry will support tens of thousands of jobs, and sustainable wind energy will help power our green transition to electric appliances and autos.
Given these benefits, Gov. Murphy announced a goal of producing 11 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2040, which could power 3.2 million homes. The NJ Board of Public Utilities has already approved the development of three wind farms off the coast of South Jersey and is looking to support more.
However, wind energy opponents incorrectly argue that wind turbine development will be harmful to marine life, the environment, and New Jersey’s multibillion-dollar tourism industry. Unfortunately, a number of legislators are now echoing these dangerously short-sighted arguments.
As of this writing, 52 humpback whales have been stranded (died) on the East Coast since the beginning of 2022. Many of these deaths have been scientifically determined to have been caused by fishing gear entanglement and vessel strikes. None of the deaths were found to be caused by wind turbine development or operation.
The Marine Mammal Commission has declared the recent whale deaths to be part of a humpback whale unusual mortality event (UME) that began in 2016. A DEP website dedicated to information about the UME recognizes that there has been an increase in menhaden (common prey for whales) along the East Coast due to warming waters, and the abundance of food may be attracting whales toward land and vessel navigation lanes.
To date, the DEP said it “is aware of no credible evidence that offshore wind-related survey activities could cause whale mortality,” but it will continue monitoring for more information. Instead, the DEP noted the negative impacts on marine life from rising ocean temperatures caused by fossil fuel use, as well as the changes in movement of menhaden due to water chemistry and oceanic temperature variations.
There are many checks and balances on wind turbine development. New Jersey’s Coastal Management Program works within the DEP to ensure that wind turbine use is compliant with conservation standards. Further, the Offshore Wind Research & Monitoring Initiative has granted $8.5 million to ensure that offshore wind energy projects are “safe and environmentally responsible.” Also, initiatives by the BPU have raised $26 million from wind energy developers to monitor and research the ecological impacts of offshore wind.
Additionally, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries are working together to ensure that impacts from wind power development are balanced to protect marine life and fisheries’ interests. Research by reputable NJ environmental organizations also supports the conclusion that offshore wind energy projects are not connected to the tragic whale strandings.