In an attempt to help meet Gov. Jon Corzine's targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state, several developers submitted proposals last week to construct offshore wind farms. If a proposal is accepted, it would be the first offshore wind farm in the United States ...Given that the projected cost of a proposal could reach $1.4 billion, there is a concern as to who will pay for the construction of the wind farm. The developer will outlay the cost. If the project is not subsidized, the high original cost would most likely be passed along to the energy consumer.

In an attempt to help meet Gov. Jon Corzine's targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state, several developers submitted proposals last week to construct offshore wind farms. If a proposal is accepted, it would be the first offshore wind farm in the United States, which would put New Jersey at the forefront of states committed to using clean energy. Although obstacles must be faced before a proposal is accepted or construction is begun, New Jersey would be wise to try to overcome them so that up to 280,000 homes can switch to clean energy.

Given that the projected cost of a proposal could reach $1.4 billion, there is a concern as to who will pay for the construction of the wind farm. The developer will outlay the cost. If the project is not subsidized, the high original cost would most likely be passed along to the energy consumer. However, there are various tax incentives and renewable energy credits available that would help to subsidize the cost of the project. Also, once built, wind energy is cheaper to provide than that produced with traditional fossil fuels, ultimately saving the utility money. That savings could then be passed along to the consumer.

Some object that the wind farms might obstruct the beautiful New Jersey coastline. The plans, however, are to build the wind farm 15 to 16 miles offshore -- too far to be seen from land.

There is also some debate as to the environmental friendliness of offshore wind power. There are concerns that an offshore wind farm could affect marine life in the area. However, many environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club, support offshore wind energy. There is no debate that wind energy is cleaner and more environmentally friendly than the fossil fuels that we are using at the present time. Moreover, there is no chance of radiation leakage, as with nuclear power plants, which are now in use in South Jersey.

Public Service Enterprise Group and Winergy Power Holdings propose constructing 96 wind turbines that can generate up to 350 megawatts 16 miles off of the coast of Atlantic and Cape May counties. Blue Water Wind NJ Energy is proposing a 348-megawatt wind farm with 116 wind turbines 15.6 miles off of the shore southeast of Atlantic City. Fishermen's Energy of New Jersey is proposing a 66-turbine wind farm off of the coast of Atlantic City. The state should carefully consider each proposal and choose in a timely manner the one that would best meet the needs of the state and the environment. Constructing a wind farm and using wind power is a great step toward reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and going green.

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