Biden aims to reduce tribal marine sanctuary for wind energy factory backed by Dem donor.

President‌ Biden’s Proposal Sparks Controversy Over Marine Sanctuary

President Joe Biden’s plan to accommodate offshore wind energy factories‍ has raised concerns about the protection of endangered whales in a Pacific Ocean marine sanctuary.⁣ The proposal, which would⁤ shrink ⁢the sanctuary by about 1,400 square miles, includes a wind turbine ​infrastructure owned by Invenergy, a company whose founder and CEO, Michael Polsky, has been a major Democratic donor.

The conflict between efforts to fight climate change and preserve natural habitats⁢ is evident in this proposal. While it aims to generate renewable ⁤energy and benefit ‍green energy companies,⁣ environmental groups have expressed alarm ⁤over the potential⁢ harm to birds and whales—the very wildlife the marine sanctuary seeks to protect. Additionally, the proposal highlights the significant ⁢influence of the‍ green energy industry within the⁢ Democratic Party, with Biden investing billions of taxpayer dollars into renewable energy⁢ projects backed by liberal billionaires.

Polsky’s substantial contributions to Democrats, totaling‌ over $400,000 since 2016, ‌have raised‌ questions about potential ‌favoritism towards his energy companies. This isn’t the​ first time ⁣Polsky has received rewards from​ Democrats, as he secured a $1.2 billion natural gas⁢ plant with the help of a Pennsylvania Democrat ⁤whose campaign he ⁢funded. Invenergy also​ received over $20 million in taxpayer-funded⁣ grants during Barack⁣ Obama’s presidency.

The proposed revision to the⁣ marine sanctuary’s boundaries is currently open for public comment‍ until October 25. However, the⁣ Biden administration has already awarded ocean leases to Invenergy and other energy corporations, despite construction not yet commencing. Concerns about the impact ⁣of offshore wind factories on marine life, including whales, have been raised by⁢ environmentalists. The administration ​has dismissed these concerns as “misinformation,” despite documented whale deaths since December.

While the potential harm to ⁤whales remains⁢ uncertain, Invenergy has invested heavily in lobbying efforts. The company has​ spent $1.3 million this year alone to lobby the White House, Congress, and agencies such as the ⁣Department of Commerce. Equinor, another energy conglomerate with an ocean lease, has also spent a significant amount on lobbying,⁣ including topics related to offshore wind development and marine issues.

The Northern⁢ Chumash Tribal Council, which initially petitioned for the ​marine sanctuary, ‌continues to advocate for⁤ the inclusion of the full coastline in ⁣the protected area. As the Biden administration promotes offshore wind farms as a solution to the climate crisis, the Department‌ of the Interior acknowledges that these projects alone will have a⁤ limited impact on global emissions and climate change.