If the East Coast is ever going to be a leader in renewable wind power then the regions Governor's need to stand together with one voice to promote their unified interests. That was one of the messages at today's Mid-Atlantic Governors Ocean Summit.

“Ensuring the health of our ocean ecosystems and the resources they provide is paramount to Mid-Atlantic oceanfront states like New Jersey. 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.”

Ocean health is vital to the economies of New Jersey and the other coastal states of Delaware, New York, Maryland and Virginia. Together they contribute nearly two trillion dollars to the nation's GDP, much of it as a result of coastal tourism commercial fishing and maritime transportation. Yet their jurisdiction on Ocean issues ends three miles past their shorelines.

The coastal Governor's believe that they can better advocate for our interests if they work together to promote our common goals.

One of those common interests is working with federal partners to better align the wind energy permitting process and identify appropriate offshore sites for renewable energy development. Renewed interest in exploring for oil and gas in the Mid-Atlantic region is an area of concern within our coastal states and part of the reason they have decided to work together to promote renewable and sustainable wind power.
Harnessing the region’s abundant offshore wind resources would provide a more sustainable means of meeting the high-energy demands of the region.  Additionally, the development would establish states like New Jersey as competitive leaders in renewable energy technologies, spurring new investment and employment opportunities in “green” businesses.

Other common interests addressed during the conference included ways to protect offshore habitats, address coastal vulnerabilities to climate change, protect tourism by addressing threats to water quality and engage like minded supporters in their communities.