Jeff Van Drew: “Again, I thank the chairman for his help and his support. I thank the Congressman, Dr. Andy Harris, for traveling the…”

“Again, I thank the chairman for his help and his support. I thank the Congressman, Dr. Andy Harris, for traveling the great distance to New Jersey to be at the hearing that we had in the field. I thank Congressman Chris Smith for his support and traveling, as well, and I thank Congressman Scott Perry. They were all there. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment and to clear up the misconceptions that continue to float around amongst the mainstream media, this administration, and pro-wind advocacy groups, and highlight what is nothing less than an existential threat to our coastlines and the millions of people and communities who rely upon them. Proponents of offshore wind claim that it is a necessary step in order to transition the United States to clean energy. Yet, oddly enough, BOEM's own environmental impact statement admits that offshore wind will have no impact of any substance on combating climate change and will, in fact, increase greenhouse gas emissions. Proponents say that it will stimulate economic activity and create thousands of U.S. jobs. Yet, offshore wind turbines are being constructed in Europe and China and not in the United States, and offshore wind companies are attempting to circumvent the Jones Act so they can use cheaper foreign vessels and cheaper crews. Plus, BOEM has admitted that commercial fisheries will have to--this is important--completely abandon their fishing grounds as a result of offshore wind.…”