Portland, Maine - As the debate over the future of renewable energy intensifies, unfounded claims about offshore wind turbines endangering whales have emerged as a contentious issue. Despite scientific evidence dismissing any credible link between offshore wind farms and whale deaths, conservative groups, including former President Donald Trump, and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) anti-development groups persist in making this connection.

The rare North Atlantic right whale's migration season is currently underway, prompting The Associated Press to separate fact from fiction regarding whales and wind power. At present, the construction of two commercial offshore wind farms is in progress in the United States. Danish wind energy developer Ørsted and utility Eversource are collaborating on the South Fork Wind project situated 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Montauk Point, New York. On December 7, Ørsted announced that the first of its 12 turbines is now supplying electricity to the grid. Additionally, Vineyard Wind is building a 62-turbine wind farm 15 miles (24 kilometers) off the coast of Massachusetts. Both projects are set to open early next year, while other significant offshore wind initiatives are in the process of obtaining necessary permits.

Apart from these ventures, two pilot projects consisting of five turbines off Rhode Island and two turbines off Virginia are also in motion. The Biden administration has outlined its ambition to power 10 million homes with offshore wind by 2030, highlighting its significance in achieving climate goals.

Due to lawsuits from community groups, Ørsted was compelled to delay its two large offshore wind projects in New Jersey. However, the recent decision to cancel these projects primarily stemmed from economic viability concerns rather than opposition to offshore wind in New Jersey, according to David Hardy, Group Executive Vice President and CEO Americas at Ørsted.

Contrary to politically motivated statements implying a connection between limited wind farm construction on the Atlantic Coast and whale deaths, experts emphasize that there is no evidence to support this claim. Rumors began circulating after an unusually high number of whale strandings and deaths were observed on New England beaches in 2016, a trend predating this year's major offshore wind farm construction.

Aaron Rice, a marine biologist at Cornell University, affirmed, "With whale strandings along the Northeast earlier this year in places like New Jersey, the reality is that it's not from offshore wind."

As the renewable energy industry continues to expand, distinguishing fact from fiction surrounding its impact on marine life proves crucial to inform responsible decision-making and mitigate misinformation.