newjerseynewsroom.com

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Gov. Jon Corzine Thursday signed an interstate agreement with other Mid-Atlantic governors to attempt to protect the Atlantic Ocean.

The main goal of the newly-formed Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean will be to advocate for greater state influence with the federal government on the management of offshore waters.

"Ensuring the health of our ocean ecosystems and the resources they provide is paramount to Mid-Atlantic oceanfront states like New Jersey," Corzine said at a meeting with the officials in New York. "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."

Corzine and New York Gov. David A. Paterson announced the agreement at the Borough of Manhattan College where they were joined by representatives of the governors of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Also at the meeting were White House Council on Environmental Quality Chairwoman Nancy Sutley, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco and actor/activist Sam Waterston.

Part of the agreement calls for the states to collaborate on improving energy security and independence in the region through development of offshore renewable energy.

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

Tapping the Earth for additional fossil fuels as resources is not the answer to our long-range energy goals," Corzine said. "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. "

New Jersey's 127 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline and 83 miles of shore along the Raritan and Delaware Bays support an array of environmental, recreational and commercial interests.

Corzine said the state has one of the most economically-productive coast lines per 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," he said.

Ocean advocates like the New Jersey Coastal Ocean Coalition have been encouraging states to work together on ocean issues for years.

"Our oceans don't stop at state lines and, now, neither will our efforts to protect them," said Alison Chase, policy analyst for the Natural Resources Defense Council. ""These governors are breaking new ground with today's announcement they will work together to protect the Atlantic. This is not only good news for beachgoers and seafood lovers; it's good news for the jobs and state revenue that rely on a healthy Atlantic Ocean. And with enormous potential for offshore renewable energy in the Atlantic, these states can now work together better to help us all move toward a clean energy economy - and make sure we do it right the first time."

"Today's agreement is a good sign that New Jersey appears ready to coordinate ocean policy with our leading neighbors like New York," said David Pringle, campaign director of the New Jersey Environmental Federation, the Garden State Chapter of Clean Water Action. "For New Jersey to lead, Governor Corzine needs to stop stalling and start implementing the law he signed 16 months ago to promote ecosystem-based management policies and make strong appointments this month to the Coastal and Ocean Protection Council."