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Governor’s Offshore Wind Energy Panel
Releases Final Report
Recommends Intensive Study and Test Project of Offshore Wind
(06/33) TRENTON -- New Jersey should
consider launching a limited and carefully monitored offshore wind-turbine
test project to gather more data about the technology’s costs
and benefits, the state’s Blue Ribbon Panel on the Development
of Wind Turbine Facilities in Coastal Waters recommended in its
final report released today.
Culminating a 15-month examination of whether offshore wind would
be an appropriate alternative energy source for New Jersey, the
panel proposed in its report that scientific baseline studies be
conducted to further assess potential natural-resource and economic
impacts before wind turbine facilities are constructed in coastal
waters. During its evaluation, the panel had recognized the need
for baseline studies after identifying major gaps in data about
New Jersey’s offshore natural resources, including migratory
birds and mammals, and how offshore wind turbines might affect
them.
“I will closely review the panel’s findings and recommendations
and consider them while working to shape New Jersey’s energy
and coastal policies,” Governor Jon S. Corzine said. “I
want to thank Mayor Edward McKenna and the panel members for their
efforts in leading New Jersey toward developing progressive strategies
for meeting New Jersey’s energy needs while protecting our
environment and our economic vitality.”
In the final report, the panel outlines New Jersey’s growing
energy-supply crisis, which has spawned high electricity costs,
particularly along the state’s coast. Acknowledging that
no single strategy will solve all of New Jersey’s energy
problems, the report urges state agencies to promote an aggressive,
multifaceted solution of energy-efficiency standards and various
renewable energy technologies.
“Through the efforts of this panel, New Jersey became the
first state to conduct a public and thorough investigation of the
costs and benefits of developing offshore wind turbine facilities,” said
Edward J. McKenna Jr., the panel’s chairman. “The panel
did an excellent job of balancing the need to address our state’s
serious energy constraints while ensuring protection of our precious
offshore natural resources and our local economies.”
Established by executive order in December 2004, the blue-ribbon
panel was directed to assess the environmental and economic issues
associated with offshore wind turbines, including costs and benefits
as compared to other renewable energy sources, impacts on birds
and marine mammals, commercial and recreational fishing, tourism
and property values. The executive order also imposed a moratorium
on the funding and permitting of offshore wind turbine facilities.
For additional information or for a copy of the
panel’s final report, visit www.nj.gov/njwindpanel.
The blue ribbon panel includes six public members:
Edward J. McKenna Jr., Mayor of Red Bank, chairman of the panel,
and member of the State Planning Commission;
Timothy P. Dillingham, Executive Director of the American Littoral
Society;
Theodore J. Korth, Special Counsel to the New Jersey Audubon Society;
Bonnie J. McCay, Rutgers Board of Governors Distinguished Service
Professor at Cook College and Vice Chair of the Marine Protected
Areas Federal Advisory Committee, U.S. Department of Commerce and
Department of Interior;
Scott A. Weiner, Transitional Chief Executive Officer of the New
Jersey Schools Construction Corporation, and
Diane Wieland, Director of the Cape May County Department of Tourism,
Chair of the Southern Shore Regional Tourism Council and a member
of the Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council.
Three ex officio voting members:
Virginia S. Bauer, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the
New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission,
Jeanne M. Fox, President of the Board of Public Utilities; and
Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental
Protection.
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