Anti-Wind Stance Reaffirmed By Berkeley Township Council

BERKELEY, NJ — The fight against offshore wind is continuing here in Berkeley, as onshore cable work for the Ocean Wind 1 project gets ready to begin at Island Beach State Park.

Residents spoke at a recent Township Council meeting to voice their opposition to offshore wind farms at the Jersey Shore, urging officials to do something.

"You're preaching to the choir here," said Business Administrator John Camera, noting that the township had previously introduced a resolution calling for a moratorium on offshore wind work. Read more: Berkeley Joins Calls For Moratorium On Offshore Wind Development

Council President John Bacchione said they could do another resolution "adamantly opposing" offshore wind at that meeting, which was met with applause from residents.

The Council quickly chose to introduce another resolution, with Bacchione asking that language be inserted that said "Governor Murphy, listen to the people of the Jersey Shore."

Those who opposed offshore wind spoke not only of the believed impact construction has on whales, but of potential harms to health.

Federal officials and experts have said that there is no evidence linking offshore wind to whale deaths.

Negative health impacts one resident cited include tinnitus, anxiety and sleep disorders. Flashing lights on the turbines could trigger epileptic seizures or migraines, she added.

There is no scientific consensus on whether these issues can be linked to wind turbines. Other concerns are that radiation from electromagnetic fields (EMF) can cause cancer and other problems, but scientific studies show that EMF levels from wind turbines are lower than common household objects.

Residents praised township officials for listening to their concerns and taking a stance against offshore wind.

"You're going to protect our ocean, you're going to protect our environment and I'm very happy that I moved here and I'm very happy that you're the council," one said.