Several hundred people participated in a rally to end offshore wind turbines after 10 whales washed up on the New Jersey and New York coastlines in recent weeks. Today is also World Whale Day, making it the perfect time for protesters to make their case in the ongoing crisis.
Carrying banners that read “Save the Whales” the rally-goers urged more elected representatives to take stands against actions they believe are killing whales and other marine life, particularly offshore wind turbines, which they believe could be having a disastrous effect on the massive creatures.
A number of New Jersey Republicans have called on President Biden to end the practice of installing wind turbines on offshore farms, including Rep. Chris Smith and Rep. Jeff Van Drew.
Speaking at the rally, Congressman Smith explained how the wind turbines could be hurting marine life.
“Thus far, sound surveys and the underwater noise generated by acoustic vessels have occurred, but next steps include construction, pile driving creating high intensity underwater noise,” Smith said. “What impact does this noise have on whales, dolphins and other mammals and on fragile fish habitats and marine survival? Without serious, aggressive and independent analysis on the impact of these projects, they must be paused.”
However, the Biden administration and many Democrats insist that the conspicuous whale deaths have nothing to do with the windmills, and are rather likely due to a high number of recent collisions between whales and boats.
Hundreds of community members here along the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk who showed up & are speaking out for the #SaveTheWhales Rally. Mayor @PaulKanitra is here along, along with local officials and members of congress. Massive turnout. pic.twitter.com/NWsQPiOfJy
— Ali Reid (@alireidtv) February 19, 2023