Offshore Wind Hearing Held By Van Drew Set In South Jersey

SOUTH JERSEY — Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) has announced the time and location for his promised South Jersey offshore wind hearing.

It is set for 2 p.m. on March 16 at the Wildwood Convention Center, according to Van Drew's website. You can RSVP here.

Van Drew has also said that he will be introducing legislation that places a moratorium on all existing projects and legislation that will prohibit all future projects.

"The unknown impacts of these offshore wind projects raises serious concerns, especially after 18 whales have washed ashore near where surveying is taking place, six of which have been in New Jersey," Van Drew said when he initially announced the hearing.

The latest dead whale, which washed up in Seaside Park, showed signs of a propeller strike, according to officials. Read more: Seaside Park Humpback Whale's Death Under Investigation

Since 2016, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been tracking a growing number of whale deaths, which pre-dates offshore wind activity in the area.

"At this point, there is no evidence to support speculation that noise resulting from wind development-related site characterization surveys could potentially cause mortality of whales," NOAA officials said.

Another public session on offshore wind is set for the day prior, March 15, at the Ocean City Tabernacle. Read more: Windmill Information Session Set In Ocean City