Global Warming News

Atlantic City – New Jersey environmental groups and offshore wind companies, elected officials and the public are urging Interior Secretary Ken Salazar at a hearing today to protect the Shore from off-shore drilling and promote renewable technology like off-shore wind. The hearing, to be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center today from 8 a.m to 8 p.m., will help to inform the Obama administration’s offshore energy priorities.

“President Obama’s offshore energy decisions will be with us for decades to come,” said Matt Elliott of Environment New Jersey.  “Our Shore can help power our state with off-shore wind or we can give it away to oil companies to drill with abandon. A clean energy future for the Shore should include wind turbines, not oil spills.”  

The hearing is one of four nation-wide hearings convened by Salazar, and the only one on the East Coast. At the hearing this morning, the Secretary is releasing data detailing the nation’s offshore energy potential, and taking input from the public. Planned speakers included Sen. Menendez, Gov. Corzine, Rep. Pallone, Rep. LoBiondo and Rep. Holt urging the Interior Secretary to restrict off-shore drilling and promote renewables off-shore.

“Our reliance on fossil fuel is directly linked to the economic, foreign and environmental crises surrounding us,” said David Pringle of the New Jersey Environmental Federation.  “It’s critical that the Obama Administration just say no to off-shore fossil fuel and yes to renewables done right on and off-shore.”

In October, Governor Corzine announced support for the most ambitious offshore wind goals in the nation.  Under his plan, at least three developers will build enough offshore wind to power roughly 365,000 households by 2013, and over 1 million households by 2030.

“Offshore wind is New Jersey’s largest source of renewable energy,” said Kris Ohleth of BlueWater Wind, one of the state’s three wind developers.  “Harnessing that energy will bring clean power to the state, as well as jobs and economic development. We applaud the state’s efforts to pursue offshore wind energy development, making New Jersey a leader in the new green economy.”

New Jersey-based wind companies are participating in today’s hearing to highlight potential for off-shore renewable energy in New Jersey and along the Atlantic seaboard. 

“Fishermen’s Energy is looking forward to participating in Secretary Salazar’s regional meetings on Energy Development of the US Outer Continental Shelf,” said Rhonda Jackson, the company’s Communications and Outreach Director.  “We appreciate Secretary Salazar’s support for renewable energy and anticipate a timely completion of the MMS Rule, so we can continue to make strides to accomplish the ambitious goals which Governor Corzine and the NJ Board of Public Utilities established in the NJ Energy Master Plan.

Admission to the meetings is on a first-come basis.  Doors opened at 8 a.m. and the sessions began at 9a.m. and will run through 8 p.m. More information is available at the Minerals Management Service Web site: www.mmms.gov/5-year.