New Jersey Residents Rally Against Offshore Wind Farm Following Whale Deaths

A recent spate of whale deaths sparked a protest against an offshore wind energy project in New Jersey last week as critics believe that the windmills and deaths could be related.

The residents showed their displeasure against the offshore wind project. Residents were joined by a number of politicians as well as environmental activists during a rally Sunday in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

According to the protestors, the offshore wind farm off the coast of New Jersey may be related to the death of ten whales offshore. This includes a humpback whale that washed onto a New Jersey shore last week.

The rally included hundreds of demonstrators and a statement from a member of Congress. 

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) said in part, “questions and concerns raised by me and many others have gone unanswered concerning the unexplained deaths of at least 10 whales.”

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Smith is also calling for a federal investigation into a possible link between wind energy and the death of marine mammals.

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In particular, Smith is concerned that potential noise and vibrations from the wind turbines and pilings they sit on may have affected the delicate ecosystem offshore.

Joining the member of Congress was a local mayor and a variety of environmental activists.

Concern over the offshore project comes as both New Jersey and its neighbor New York plan a number of large ocean wind projects.

The news comes as resistance against alternative energy projects increases. Critics allege that solar and wind farms are not efficient enough for a modern power grid.

In particular, proponents of traditional energy sources cite the failure of the Texas energy grid in early 2021. Wind energy is variable depending on weather and often does not generate consistent loads for the power grid.

The sharp increase in wind and solar generation comes with considerable protest over its use. Activists point to its lower potential energy generation capacity or its dependence on intermittent factors, such as sunlight or the weather.