Governor Corzine Signs Pact with Mid-Atlantic Governors to Protect Atlantic Ocean Resources

NEW YORK - Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed an interstate agreement with other Mid-Atlantic governors to protect the Atlantic Ocean. The goals of the newly formed Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean will continue to advocate for and leverage greater state influence on the management of offshore ocean areas and to direct federal and interstate actions and resources.

"Ensuring the health of our ocean ecosystems and the resources they provide is paramount to Mid-Atlantic oceanfront states like New Jersey," Governor Corzine said. "Any threat to these natural resources brings economic consequences that threaten jobs, local economies, and our economic well being. New Jersey is committed to working with our Mid-Atlantic partners to provide adequate safeguards and formulate a shared vision for the region's future."

Governor Corzine and New York Governor David A. Paterson announced the agreement at the Borough of Manhattan College where they were joined by representatives from the offices of Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. Also at the announcement were White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis, and actor/activist Sam Waterston.

Recognizing that renewable offshore energy can foster a more efficient and sustainable regional economy and improve the quality of life for citizens, the Governors are creating a structure for the States to collaborate on improving energy security and independence in the region through development of offshore renewable energy while accommodating other ocean uses

"Tapping the Earth for additional fossil fuels as resources is not the answer to our long-range energy goals," Governor Corzine added. "Rather, this Outer Continental Shelf resource should be viewed as a haven for wind energy, which is clean, renewable and environmentally-friendly. Energy efficiency and renewable energy development is the responsible energy future for New Jersey and the country. "

Other priorities of the regional council include: increased protection of the most unique and sensitive offshore habitats; climate change and sea level rise; increased federal support for water quality infrastructure improvements; and reducing marine debris.

New Jersey's 127 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline and 83 miles of shore along the Raritan and Delaware Bays support a wide array of environmental, recreational and commercial interests. The Garden State enjoys one of the most economically-productive coastal zones, per shoreline mile, in the nation.

"By endorsing greater collaboration among our states, we hope to maintain and improve the health of our ocean and coastal resources, and ensure that they continue to contribute to the high quality of life and economic vitality of our region's communities well into the future," said Governor Corzine.

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Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/