President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly working with New Jersey Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew on an executive order aimed at stopping the construction of new wind turbines off the east coast. Van Drew, whose congressional district includes well-known seaside destinations such as Long Beach Island, Cape May and Atlantic City, announced Monday, Jan. 13, that he has been collaborating closely with Trump on the measure.
“These offshore wind projects should have never been approved in the first place,” Van Drew said in a statement. “The Biden administration rammed them through the approval process without proper oversight, transparent lease agreements, or a full understanding of their devastating consequences. They are an economic and environmental disaster waiting to happen.”
According to Van Drew, longer-term plans for permanent restrictions on offshore wind projects have also been discussed. The congressman indicated the executive order could be finalized within months of Trump’s inauguration.
“This executive order is just the beginning,” Van Drew said. “We will fight tooth and nail to prevent this offshore wind catastrophe from wreaking havoc on the hardworking people who call our coastal towns home.”
The Biden administration approved New Jersey’s first offshore wind project in July 2024, a 200-turbine initiative by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. However, the project, which is visible from Long Beach Island, has faced opposition from residents since before receiving federal approval.
Trump has long opposed wind energy, often criticizing it as inefficient and visually unappealing. He has also attributed wind turbine operations to bird and marine life deaths.
During a press conference on Jan. 7, Trump reiterated his stance, stating that he plans to halt new offshore wind energy projects during his second term. This follows his campaign promise to end such developments on the first day of his administration.
