Disinformation and Anti-Wind Energy: The Battle for Whale Protection in the United States

The anti-wind energy movement in the United States relies on whale protection to hinder offshore wind projects, despite the lack of scientific evidence establishing a direct link.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The development of offshore wind energy is rapidly increasing in the United States, supported by government initiatives aimed at increasing the production of renewable energies. However, this expansion is encountering growing opposition from anti-wind energy groups who emphasize whale protection as the main argument against these projects. This opposition is particularly strong on the East Coast, where several offshore wind projects are being planned or constructed.

Opponents claim that offshore wind platforms disrupt the natural habitats of marine mammals, especially endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. “During a rescue mission, I’m almost immediately asked if it’s because of the wind turbines,” explains Lauren Brandkamp, team leader of Whale and Dolphin Conservation in Massachusetts. She emphasizes that despite public concerns, no scientific study has demonstrated a direct link between wind turbines and whale mortality.

The Anti-Wind Energy Campaigns Strengthen on Social Media

Anti-wind energy groups are heavily using social media to spread their message. They share photos of stranded whales on beaches, associating these incidents with offshore wind projects. “Preserve the East Coast” and “Save the Whales” are common slogans used to mobilize public opinion against wind energy initiatives. These actions have led to several lawsuits aimed at stopping or delaying coastal projects in various states.

Absence of Scientific Evidence Linking Wind Energy and Whale Mortality

Despite opponents’ claims, scientific studies have not found a significant correlation between offshore wind turbines and whale mortality. Research indicates that the main causes of strandings include ship collisions and infectious diseases. Douglas Nowacek, a scientist involved in a government research project, states: “We have no scientific evidence indicating that offshore wind turbines are responsible for animal deaths.”

Current Environmental Challenges Influence Marine Migrations

Jenna Reynolds, director of Save Coastal Wildlife in New Jersey, observes that climate change and increased naval traffic are altering marine ecosystems. “We are now observing manatees migrating up here from Florida,” she states, highlighting the impacts of global warming on marine life. These changes in natural habitats make interactions between marine mammals and human infrastructures more complex and potentially dangerous.

The Federal Government and the Energy Transition

Alongside growing opposition, Joe Biden’s administration is continuing its efforts to accelerate the energy transition. Since 2021, ten new commercial offshore wind projects have been approved to increase the share of renewable energies in the national energy mix. Currently, three offshore wind platforms are operational in the United States, with three more under construction. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Divergent Opinions within Animal Protection Organizations

Within animal protection associations, opinions are divided regarding offshore wind projects. Jenna Reynolds of Save Coastal Wildlife states she is “neither for nor against” these initiatives, acknowledging the potential impacts while preferring a wind platform to an oil well in the oceans. She emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting the claims of conspiracy groups and notes that such criticisms are rare in Europe, where offshore wind is already well-established.

The Impact of Maritime Activities’ Noise on Marine Fauna

Opponents of wind energy argue that the noise generated by offshore platforms disrupts the sonar of whales, disorienting them and contributing to their mortality. However, studies conducted by scientific teams dedicated to offshore wind have detected no suspect deaths related to wind energy activities. In comparison, offshore oil and gas exploration techniques are up to 10,000 times louder, raising questions about the true sources of marine mammal disturbances.

Future Challenges for Coexistence between Wind Energy and Marine Life

As wind energy continues to develop, the question of its impact on marine life remains at the center of debates. Climate change, ecosystem modifications, and increased maritime traffic complicate the coexistence between energy infrastructures and marine fauna. It is crucial to continue scientific research to better understand these interactions and find balanced solutions that promote both energy transition and the preservation of marine species.

Eversource Energy posts a one-time $75mn charge linked to unforeseen costs in the Revolution Wind project, while tightening its 2025 earnings forecast.
The Renewables Infrastructure Group has signed a ten-year power purchase agreement with Virgin Media O2 for its onshore wind farms in the United Kingdom, ensuring price stability for both parties.
Eight local associations in Normandy and Hauts-de-France will receive a total of €120,000, financed by revenues from three RWE wind farms, to support public-impact projects in 2025.
CWP Europe formalised two major projects in Albania and Montenegro with backing from the European Commission, reinforcing the Balkans’ integration into the European energy market.
Elawan Energy secured two wind power projects totalling 92MW in Romania through a long-term public contract, strengthening its presence in the region with operations scheduled to begin in 2028.
A study conducted in the Gulf of Lion highlights the risk of collisions between migratory birds and floating wind turbine blades, as the region prepares to host 19 additional turbines by 2031.
Taaleri Energia’s SolarWind III Fund partners with Lords LB Asset Management to develop a 112 MW onshore wind project in Smiltene, scheduled for commissioning in early 2027.
The Dinawan Wind Farm project, first phase of a 1.3 GW energy hub, was selected in the fourth tender round of the Capacity Investment Scheme launched by the Australian Government.
RWE has completed construction of the Kail wind farm, comprising three turbines totalling 12.9 MW, marking its first commissioning in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Ignitis Group has officially submitted its bid to develop a 700 MW offshore wind project in the Baltic Sea, under a Lithuanian state-supported tender scheme.
Ignitis Renewables acquires the remaining stake from Ocean Winds in the Curonian Nord project, securing full ownership of this strategic development in the Baltic Sea.
Chinese manufacturer Ming Yang plans to build the UK’s largest wind turbine facility in Ardersier, with an initial £750mn investment and up to 1,500 jobs created by 2028.
German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex secured 2,170 MW in new orders between July and September, bringing its total volume to 6.7 GW over nine months.
Faria Renewables a finalisé l’acquisition de deux projets éoliens d’une capacité cumulée de 30,8 MW, consolidant son portefeuille d’actifs en Grèce et poursuivant son expansion stratégique sur le marché national.
Google has signed a power purchase agreement with Eneco to supply its Belgian data centre with wind energy from three wind farms totalling 54 MW.
Italian group Dolomiti Energia secures €200mn loan from the European Investment Bank to finance wind farms and modernise power infrastructure in two strategic regions of the country.
Wpd launches a crowdfunding campaign to support the construction of the Bréhand wind farm, aiming to raise €400,000 from residents with a fixed annual interest rate of 7%.
Danish group Orsted will cut a quarter of its workforce by 2027 and reduce its exposure to the United States, relying on a $9.4 billion recapitalisation to consolidate its development in Europe and Asia.
Developer Gwynt Glas enters development phase after signing a lease agreement with The Crown Estate, paving the way for a 1.5GW floating offshore wind project in Welsh waters.
From January 2026, the southern Polish city of Sosnowiec will power its municipal institutions entirely with renewable electricity under a public contract awarded to local provider Hekla Energy.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.