In a recent interview with Fox Business, Jerry Leeman, CEO of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, expressed his deep concerns about the impact of a wind farm project off the coast of Nantucket on the livelihoods of local fishermen. The discussion, hosted by Dagen McDowell and Sean Duffy on “The Bottom Line,” highlighted the growing tension between environmental initiatives and the preservation of traditional industries like fishing.
Greenwashing and Unforeseen Consequences
Leeman opened the conversation by addressing what he described as “greenwashing,” a term used to suggest that the wind farm project is being marketed as environmentally friendly while ignoring the negative consequences. “We have been greenwashed into thinking this is a good idea,” Leeman stated. He explained that the construction and operation of wind turbines are displacing vital fish stocks and creating dangerous debris fields that could threaten the safety of fishermen.
Environmental Concerns and Political Inaction
Sean Duffy pointed out the irony of the situation, noting that environmentalists and political leaders like President Biden and Vice President Harris often emphasize their commitment to environmental protection, yet remain silent on the real environmental issues affecting the fishing industry. “It makes me believe it’s a ruse,” Duffy remarked, questioning the sincerity of their environmental stance. Leeman agreed, emphasizing that there has been a lack of proper environmental impact assessments and baseline data to understand the full consequences of the project.
Direct Impact on Fishermen’s Livelihoods
Dagen McDowell pressed Leeman on how the wind farm is directly impacting fishermen’s livelihoods. Leeman explained that the area where the Vineyard Wind project is being developed has historically been a rich fishing ground, providing millions of pounds of seafood. Now, with the environmental changes brought about by the wind farm, the sustainability of the commercial fishery is at risk, threatening the long-term ability to feed U.S. citizens.
Political Support: A Silent Opposition
Duffy inquired about the support, or lack thereof, from political leaders, particularly Democratic senators like Elizabeth Warren, who might be expected to stand up for their constituents. Leeman responded that it has been “quiet,” expressing his disappointment that more politicians have not stepped up to support the fishermen. He warned that the long-term impact on the nation’s food security could be severe if these concerns are not addressed.
The Global Context: Problems Overseas, Solutions Ignored
The conversation also touched on the global context of wind farm projects. McDowell pointed out that similar projects overseas have been put on hold due to their financial impracticality and hazards to both fishermen and marine life. Leeman echoed this sentiment, lamenting that such caution has not been applied to the project off the coast of New England. “We need to wake up,” he urged, recalling how federal laws once protected American fishing grounds from foreign fleets, only to now see foreign corporations industrializing U.S. oceans.
The Bigger Picture: Food Security and Marine Ecosystems
Leeman further elaborated on the broader implications of the wind farm project, stressing that it could disrupt local marine ecosystems that are essential for the nation’s food security. “We are gambling with the food securities of our nation,” he warned, highlighting the potential long-term consequences of prioritizing industrial projects over sustainable fishing practices.
Protecting the Marine Environment
As the interview concluded, Leeman called for more decisive action to protect the marine environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. The hosts, McDowell and Duffy, echoed his concerns, with Duffy suggesting a more aggressive approach to messaging, advocating for slogans like “Frack, Baby, Frack” and “Drill, Baby, Drill” to counter the push for wind farms.
“Batteries and Other Toxic Parts”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “I am totally against wind farms everywhere. How many fish benefit from the chopped-up seabirds is the only question I have.”
Another commenter added: “Who’s going to be charged with the deaths of thousands of birds killed by the windmills? Including birds on the endangered species list……”
One person said: “What about the batteries and other toxic parts of the windmills? Does it just get left behind? Probably!”
A Struggle for Survival
The battle between New England fishermen and the wind farm project is emblematic of a larger struggle facing many traditional industries as they navigate the pressures of environmental policies and corporate interests. As Leeman and his fellow fishermen continue to fight for their livelihoods, the question remains: Will their voices be heard before it’s too late?
Finding Common Ground
What are your thoughts? How can fishermen and environmentalists find common ground in the debate over wind farm projects? What role should local communities play in the decision-making process for large-scale environmental projects? How can we ensure that environmental impact assessments are thorough and transparent for projects like wind farms?
To dive deeper into this topic, check out the full video on Fox Business’ YouTube channel here.
