Congressional offshore wind foes host latest field hearing

By Heather Richards | 08/13/2024 04:25 PM EDT

Republicans have gathered repeatedly to highlight concerns with the industry.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.).

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) discussing offshore wind Tuesday. Van Drew/YouTube

Republicans opposed to offshore wind development held a public meeting on the New Jersey Shore on Tuesday to highlight the industry’s potential pitfalls.

Convened by Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) and Scott Perry (R-Pa.), the beachside gathering was at least the third meeting that Capitol Hill Republicans have organized to criticize offshore wind development.

“We have this great and precious gift,” Van Drew said of the ocean. “And we are willing to squander it over a few people making a whole lot of money.”

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The lawmakers Tuesday argued that wind farms do not stop climate change and slammed wind companies for foreign ownership. They also warned that wind turbines could hurt fishing industries and interfere with military radar.

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