New Jersey LCV Responds to Latest Statement from Congressman Jeff Van Drew on Recent Strandings

TRENTON – The following statement is from Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV, in response to Jeff Van Drew’s call for a moratorium on all offshore wind projects.

“Congressman Jeff Van Drew knows that climate change is the greatest threat to New Jersey, our oceans, communities, habitats, residents, and wildlife, and that responsibly developed offshore wind holds the key to powering New Jersey’s clean energy future while protecting the  environment. But unfortunately, noise from MAGA Republicans and their friends in the fossil fuel industry is clouding his judgment. Van Drew, once regarded as the “most progressive Republican” on climate, has become a shill for the fossil fuel industry, flip-flopping on his promises to support workers in New Jersey’s growing clean energy economy and pushing lies implying that offshore wind development is killing marine life,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “We will continue to look at the results from professionals and scientists regarding the mammal strandings. NOAA, BOEM, and the independent Marine Mammal Commission have all gone on the record to state there is no evidence of a connection between the strandings and offshore wind activities. In addition, when the Marine Mammal Stranding Center has had the opportunity to conduct necropsies, the results have shown evidence of boat strikes and net entanglements. Elected leaders who really care about protecting marine life should address real evidence-based threats to marine life, including implementing vessel speed restrictions, eliminating abandoned commercial fishing gear, removing plastic garbage out of the water, and of course addressing climate change.”

The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to elect environmental champions, hold public officials accountable, and support laws which protect our environment and improve the quality of people’s lives.