Posted on January 1, 2024
Offshore wind developer, U.S. Wind, is building its case, and touting the benefits of new projects to officials of Delaware’s coastal towns. Governor Carney previously announced U.S. Wind is currently negotiating a potential lease for 3R’s Beach in the Delaware Seashore State Park to use the land for two offshore wind projects. Locals in Rehoboth Beach have strong opinions about offshore wind project along the coast.
“It’s kind of ironic if they truly are hurting whales and dolphins and other creatures then that’s not good for the environment, you can’t bring them back, and research before you commit to that,” explained Sara England, who lives and owns a business in Rehoboth Beach.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is currently no scientific evidence that wind farms or the noise created by offshore wind farms is doing anything to impact the mortality rate of whales or dolphins, but it has been a repeated concern by wind opponents.
Other beach fans are worried that these projects could ruin the beautiful Delaware Beaches.
“They’re not making anymore beaches, so it feels a little weird, we all value our beaches so much here and the beauty, so I just question why they would put them right by the beach, probably because of bigger wind power, but seems to me they could look at some other options,” says Steve Schnepp, who lives in Rehoboth Beach.
U.S. Wind says the projects will lower energy prices and capacity charges by up to $253 million over 20 years, while also providing carbon free power and clean energy. According to the City of Rehoboth Beach, the Association of Coastal Towns (ACT) will hear from a U.S. Wind Representative, and discuss the topic at the Janurary 8th workshop meeting.
