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NJ SR49
NJ SR49Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution urges the State and federal governments to impose an immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of whales and dolphins off the coast of New Jersey. Since December 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recorded at least twelve whale deaths off the coast of New Jersey, eight of which have been humpback whales. In addition, there were also five deaths of dolphins recorded in February 2023 alone. Most of these deaths remain unexplained, but have occurred in or near areas of offshore wind energy development. Given the unprecedented number of these recent deaths, their occurrence in or near areas of offshore wind energy development may be more than coincidental and warrants State and federal investigation. A possible cause of these deaths is the increased use of sonar and other underwater mapping technologies for the development of offshore wind energy projects, which may interfere with marine mammals' ability to hear, communicate, and navigate underwater. Therefore, an immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping for these offshore wind energy projects is urged, so that further scientific study of these projects' impact on marine life can be conducted.
AI Summary
This resolution urges state and federal environmental agencies to immediately halt sonar testing and wind turbine mapping activities off the New Jersey coast due to a recent surge in unexplained marine mammal deaths. Since December 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recorded at least twelve whale deaths (including eight humpback whales) and five dolphin deaths, which occurred in or near areas of offshore wind energy development. The resolution highlights concerns that the increased use of underwater mapping technologies for wind energy projects might be interfering with marine mammals' ability to hear, communicate, and navigate, potentially contributing to these deaths. While acknowledging the potential benefits of renewable wind energy, the resolution emphasizes that such development should not compromise marine life and calls for a pause to conduct further scientific investigation into the potential environmental impacts. Specifically, the resolution requests that the Department of Environmental Protection and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management implement an immediate moratorium on these activities, and it mandates that copies of the resolution be sent to key government officials, including the President and U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (9)
Declan O'Scanlon (R)*,
Carmen Amato (R),
Jon Bramnick (R),
Tony Bucco (R),
Kristin Corrado (R),
Jim Holzapfel (R),
Joe Pennacchio (R),
Holly Schepisi (R),
Mike Testa (R),
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SR49 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SR/49_I1.HTM |
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