New Jersey to Lead in Wind Power

"'We want to create this generation's race to the moon, but this time, a race to the sea, to harness this potential wind source off of our coasts, and bring economic development, environmental benefits, and new, green jobs to the Garden State,' [Governor Jon] Corzine said Monday."

"The state Commerce Commission assessed the potential costs and benefits of offshore wind on New Jersey's economy. It concluded that while there would be some negative impacts on tourism, these would be temporary and would decline quickly.

'This is a historic day for New Jersey,' added Jeff Tittel, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club. "Global warming is the single most serious threat to the planet, and offshore wind energy is the most cost-effective form or renewable alternative energy."

Corzine said the project could create as many as 500 new jobs, with twice that amount during construction and installation of the giant turbines. The state Board of Public Utilities has set aside $19 million for wind farm grants."