Abstract
Wind energy has become increasingly discussed as part of a portfolio of renewable energy production to offset carbon emissions. In the U.S., New York and New Jersey are being explored for wind farm project proposals. However, these proposals are not without environmental impact. Although the U.S. has an extensive history of land-based wind farms, off-shore wind farms pose unique challenges to the environment and species dependent on that environment, specifically, migrating waterfowl. The United States has an extensive permitting process for offshore wind energy, including requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to assess potential environmental impacts of offshore wind farms. As offshore wind farms are still relatively nascent on the east coast of the U.S., it is important to weigh the environmental impacts against the overall energy benefits. This paper explores these impacts and benefits specific to the proposals in New Jersey and X, that are part of the Atlantic Flyway for waterfowl. Using a case from Denmark, where offshore winds impact on waterfowl has been examined, and utilizing environmental impact statements (EIS) for east coast offshore wind development projects, this paper seeks to assess impacts to and potential mitigation of negative consequences to migrating waterfowl along the Atlantic Flyway.