Resistance to Offshore Wind Is Growing on US Coasts

A growing chorus of interest groups is calling for a pause in offshore wind activities to allow further assessment of the sector’s impacts on the marine ecosystem.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, a Republican, introduced a congressional resolution on March 21 to halt work on east-coast offshore wind projects until investigations into its possible impact on marine mammals can be done.

Fishing groups and local residents have filed five lawsuits against proposed or under-construction wind projects along the Atlantic seaboard.

A leading body for the U.S. Pacific fishing industry is urging the federal government to call off its proposed auction for offshore wind off the Oregon coast.

And the United States’ largest lobbying group for Native Americans recently called for a halt to all offshore wind scoping and permitting.