June 16, 2023 — The federal Government Accountability Office, a Congressional watchdog, agreed this week to investigate impacts from New Jersey’s offshore wind farm industry, according to New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).
In particular, the agency will look at the industry’s impacts on the environment, commercial fishing industry, military operations and marine vessel safety, Smith said.
Smith called for the agency to investigate the industry earlier this year while raising concerns about a rash of whale deaths off New Jersey’s coast. So far, no wind turbine construction has started, but offshore wind companies have mapped the ocean floor and tested soils in their lease areas.