Rep. Jeff Van Drew Praises Trump’s Executive Order to Halt Offshore Wind Projects

Rep. Jeff Van Drew Praises Trump’s Executive Order to Halt Offshore Wind Projects

U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew issued a statement of strong support following former President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order to halt offshore wind energy projects.

The executive order, announced on January 21, 2025, temporarily blocks new offshore wind leases on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and initiates a broader review of the federal government’s wind leasing and permitting practices.

Van Drew, who has long been a vocal critic of offshore wind developments, praised the decision as a crucial victory for both local communities and the environment.

Rep. Van Drew, who represents New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District, has consistently fought against offshore wind projects that he argues could harm the region’s fishing industry, marine ecosystems, and local economies.

In his statement, the congressman highlighted the role of the executive order in ending what he describes as a push by “powerful, foreign multinational corporations” to impose wind energy on American communities.

“This has been a long, hard-fought battle against powerful, foreign multinational corporations that have shown zero regard for our fishing industry, our environment, our whales, national security, or the American energy consumer,” Van Drew said. “These companies, aided by politicians willing to subsidize their failures with taxpayer dollars, were determined to force wind energy on us.”

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The congressman has consistently raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of offshore wind farms on the region’s vital fishing industry, including disruption of marine life and habitats, and has questioned the economic feasibility of wind energy, especially as energy costs continue to rise for American families.

Van Drew also acknowledged former President Trump’s commitment to taking action on the issue, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between his office and the Trump administration to craft the executive order’s language.

“I frequently spoke with President Trump about this issue, and he promised to take action,” Van Drew said. “He kept his word. We worked closely with his team on crafting language for the executive order, much of which is reflected in the final version.”

Those who might remember, Trump said during his campaign stop in Wildwood that he would look to end the Wind Farms that are being build off the coast of South Jersey saying that “we are going to make sure that ends on day one.”

For Van Drew and many of his constituents, the decision to halt new offshore wind projects is a significant victory in their efforts to protect both the environment and the economy.

The congressman pointed out that without action, the rising costs of energy and potential environmental damage from these wind projects would have only worsened.

“For those of us who care about protecting our oceans and wildlife, and for hardworking Americans already struggling with rising energy costs, this is a significant victory,” Van Drew stated. “Without this action, those costs would have only gotten worse. Now, our beautiful oceans will be preserved, and families won’t be even further burdened with unaffordable energy bills.”

Van Drew’s concerns about the economic strain of rising energy costs have resonated with many Americans, particularly those in communities that are heavily reliant on the ocean for their livelihoods, including fishing and tourism.

The congressman’s continued opposition to offshore wind development stems from his belief that the potential benefits of these projects have been overstated, while the risks to local economies and ecosystems have been downplayed.

In closing, Van Drew expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of this long-running battle, affirming that the fight against offshore wind projects was well worth the effort. He celebrated the executive order as a triumph for American interests, particularly in terms of protecting jobs, energy affordability, and the environment.

“These projects were terrible from the start, and this fight was worth every effort—for America!” Van Drew declared.

The executive order, which goes into effect immediately, temporarily halts all new offshore wind energy leases on the OCS while a review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices is conducted.

The review will assess the environmental, economic, and legal implications of offshore wind projects, with a focus on their impacts on wildlife, local economies, and national security.

The order is expected to have significant implications for the future of offshore wind energy in the U.S., particularly along the East Coast, where many proposed projects are located.

What do you think about the review of the offshore wind farms in New Jersey?