New Jersey Survival

The federal government should go forward with plans to lease sea bottom off the coast for weather studies.To reach Gov. Jon Corzine’s goal to produce nearly a quarter of the state’s electricity from renewable sources, wind-generated power must be expanded.In the draft energy master plan by the Corzine administration, the goal is to generate at least 22.5 percent from renewable sources. Yet, if the state can meet more of the state’s energy needs with this clean power, or with solar, it should support efforts to do so.

The U.S. Minerals Management Service is preparing to lease the sea bottom in six areas off the New Jersey coast to energy companies who would gather weather information and assess the suitably of building wind farms.

Some people raise legitimate concerns about the farms possibly disturbing marine life or perhaps adversely affecting the state’s strong tourism industry. Yet, New Jersey already has wind farms on land generating electricity, and there have not been major problems reported.

Tim Dillingham of the American Littoral Society, which is dedicated to conserving the coast, told a Gannett New Jersey reporter that officials should review regulations to protect the shore before moving ahead with the studies.

State and federal officials should weigh these concerns, but it is time to move forward on developing renewable energy. In terms of the environmental and economic effect, wind farms should be a net plus for New Jersey.

Replacing fossil fuels with wind power can significantly reduce air pollution and ease the drain on the economy from sending dollars overseas to pay for foreign oil.

With energy demand rising worldwide, it is clear that a significant shift to clean, renewable energy is needed to protect our lifestyle as well as the planet.

New Jersey may be a small state, but its shift to renewable energy can help clean up the world and take the pressure off energy prices.