The facts on wind turbines, whales and New Jersey’s future

The evidence points to offshore wind being part of the solution, not the problem, for New Jersey’s ocean wildlife

January 27, 2023

You may have heard of a controversy over New Jersey’s plan to expand offshore wind energy. Here are the facts:

Offshore wind is a key component of New Jersey’s plan to transition to clean energy by 2050.
On top of concerns about inflation’s impact on the offshore wind industry, some have claimed that wind turbine construction contributed to the January deaths of five humpback whales that washed up on our shores.
As NJ.com reported, “There is zero evidence that … offshore wind turbines … caused harm to the humpbacks that migrate to our coastline.”
There is, however, strong evidence that warming waters are affecting the whales’ feeding patterns, putting them at greater risk of harm from near-shore activities.

“That’s why growing renewable energy is one of the best things we can do to protect wildlife and the environment they depend on,” said Environment New Jersey Executive Director Doug O’Malley.