Harford News

Congressman Andy Harris, along with Congressmen Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have raised national security concerns regarding offshore wind projects. The lawmakers have addressed a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging the Department of Justice to conduct a national security review of these projects due to significant foreign ownership and control.

The Maryland Offshore Wind and NY/NJ Empire Wind projects are highlighted as potential risks. These projects are backed by foreign companies and are situated near sensitive military operations, coastal radar systems, key infrastructure, and major shipping lanes. Concerns include possible interference with defense radar, maritime security issues, supply chain disruptions, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities stemming from foreign-made components.

In a statement, the lawmakers said: “The Biden administration rushed these foreign-controlled offshore wind projects through the permitting process without proper oversight, ignoring the serious national security risks they pose.” They emphasized that placing critical offshore energy infrastructure in the hands of foreign entities could threaten military operations and radar systems. The lawmakers urged immediate action through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to address these concerns before any potential consequences arise.

The full letter can be accessed for further details.