New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SR120

Introduced
5/8/23  

Caption

Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

Impact

If passed, SR120 would temporarily halt sonar testing and wind turbine mapping until further investigation can be conducted into the causal relationship between these activities and the reported marine fatalities. This resolution reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and the importance of ensuring that scientific assessments are made before advancing technologies that might harm marine environments. Various stakeholders, including environmental groups and scientists, may support the bill as a protective measure for marine life.

Summary

SR120 is a resolution that urges an immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping activities in response to unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey. The resolution aims to address the potential ecological impact that these activities may have on marine ecosystems, particularly in regions where such phenomena have recently been observed. The increasing concerns about the health of marine life have driven calls for precautionary measures to protect vulnerable species potentially affected by these technologies.

Contention

Despite its intent, SR120 may face opposition from proponents of renewable energy projects and sonar testing, who argue that such activities are essential for advancing clean energy solutions and conducting necessary research. The contention stems from the balance between environmental preservation and efforts to enhance renewable energy infrastructure, which is crucial for addressing climate change. Critics may assert that imposing a moratorium could slow down progress in renewable energy, potentially leading to broader economic implications.

Notable_points

The resolution also highlights the need for inter-agency coordination to better monitor and understand the effects of marine technology on biodiversity. It invites a broader discussion regarding the regulatory frameworks governing environmental protections and the need for responsible innovation in marine spatial planning.

Companion Bills

NJ AR181

Same As Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

Previously Filed As

NJ SR49

Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

NJ AR181

Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

NJ AR57

Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

NJ HR239

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that offshore wind projects along the Atlantic coast require more comprehensive investigations examining the impact to the environment, relevant maritime industries, and national defense before being leased or constructed.

NJ SJR5

Requiring The Delaware Department Of Natural Resources And Environmental Control To Create A Pre-construction Decommissioning Bond For Wind Turbine Components In Maryland.

NJ HCR4

Relative to rejecting all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of New Hampshire and the Gulf of Maine.

NJ SR66

Urges Governor to immediately address unemployment claim backlog and reopen State offices closed to public.

NJ SR43

Urges Governor to impose moratorium on fossil fuel projects.

NJ AR57

Urges Governor to impose moratorium on fossil fuel projects.

NJ ACR162

Urges Department of Education to impose moratorium on new Student Learning Standards.

Similar Bills

NJ AR181

Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

NJ SR49

Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

NJ AR57

Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey.

MD SB168

Confined Aquatic Disposal Cells - Construction - Moratorium

CA SCR76

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month.

CA AB620

Coroner: sudden unexplained death in childhood.

CA AR24

Relative to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month.

MN HF1512

Sudden unexplained death in childhood research grants funding provided, reports required, and money appropriated.