Chris Smith: “let me just point out to my colleagues that the GAO looked at this at our request and found, again, that wind turbines…”

“let me just point out to my colleagues that the GAO looked at this at our request and found, again, that wind turbines reduced the performance of radar systems used for defense and maritime navigation and safety in several ways, and then they enumerated them. There have been a number of other studies that have suggested that this is a problem. What does this amendment do? It says that there needs to be the due diligence that was lacking. I asked the head of BOEM, Ms. Klein, at a hearing whether or not she had looked at this problem of the military and radar being disrupted. She didn't have a clue. It is in an open record that was held by the committee. I was shocked at it, frankly, but she didn't have any idea. We asked her staff to get back to us. They never did. Why don't you want to have the due diligence that comes with a certification by the Secretary of Defense or his designee that this is a problem? Other countries, Mr. Chair, like Sweden and others, have delayed or ended their offshore wind because of fears of radar interference. Sweden just recently did it.”