The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today issued the following statement on the proposed moratorium on offshore wind energy development in New Jersey

Let the process move forward.

New Jersey Governor Richard Codey (D) and others have recently stated that they intend to impose a moratorium on clean, renewable offshore wind energy development while the state "comes up with a policy on them." In fact, an extensive regulatory framework already exists at both the state and federal level that requires a rigorous environmental
review based on a clearly defined public review process.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has considered coastal development applications over the past 31 years under the Coastal Area Facility Review Act. At the federal level, the National Environmental Policy Act, also dating back to the early 1970s, has similar requirements and both acts mandate a cooperative state and
federal review process.

"The concern that clean, renewable offshore wind development could proceed unchecked under current policy is simply incorrect," said Randall Swisher, Executive Director of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). "AWEA encourages New Jersey to let the process move forward and allow submissions and review of offshore wind energy development."

The suggestion that a year or more is required to "come up with a policy on them" or to determine "whether regulations on such projects are strict enough" is unnecessary. Existing regulation is designed to address development generically and to evaluate it on a case-by-case basis according the merits of an individual proposal. Only by allowing
this process to go on can -- and will -- real and specific development proposals be examined for site-specific environmental impact and considered by the public. It is not possible to anticipate the outcome of such review in advance of the necessary study and public debate. A moratorium would serve only to postpone this study and debate, without
reason to suggest it would improve the quality of any eventual decision.

Wind energy is one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly energy sources in the world. Wind energy development protects air quality, reduces the effects of global climate change, and displaces mining and drilling for natural gas, coal, and other fuels.

A recent comprehensive study of a proposed U.S. offshore wind project found little or no environmental impact from the project. Numerous state environmental groups such as the New Jersey Audubon Society, the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group, the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the New Jersey Environmental Federation oppose a
blanket moratorium on offshore wind energy development.

New Jersey has established itself as a leader in the promotion of clean, renewable domestic energy with its progressive programs and policies. AWEA is confident and hopeful that this policy will continue.

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AWEA, formed in 1974, is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. The association’s membership includes turbine manufacturers, wind project developers, utilities, academicians, and interested individuals. More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA web site: www.awea.org

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