December 23, 2009

Mid-Atlantic governors praise President Obama for bold steps to protect the ocean, foster sustainable use and spur clean energy economy

Governors Jack Markell (Delaware), David A. Paterson (New York), Jon S. Corzine (New Jersey), Martin J. O’Malley (Maryland), and Timothy M. Kaine (Virginia) have applauded President Obama for his actions to wisely use and protect the Atlantic Ocean for generations to come.

The President’s Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force recently released a draft Framework for Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning, detailing a strategy for working across governments, sectors and interests to set the stage for conservation and effective and efficient use of our shared ocean resources, including the deployment of the large offshore wind resources. The governors have praised the strategy and call on the federal government to commit the necessary resources and quickly begin working with coastal states to implement this important ocean protection agenda.

Six months ago, the Mid-Atlantic governors created an interstate structure to advance offshore renewable energy and ocean habitat protection, forming the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO). MARCO is also focusing on other critical ocean issues, such as water quality and climate change adaptation, that can benefit from regional coordination.

The release of the draft federal Framework comes on the heels of the Mid-Atlantic governors convening in New York City last week more than 150 experts from across the region, including advocates, user groups, academics, and ocean policy representatives from five states and the federal government, to identify and commit to take critical steps to help advance the governors’ ocean agenda.

The Mid-Atlantic region is home to 43 million people. In all five states, the ocean supports robust tourist industries, providing important opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming and boating. The region’s ocean waters provide the backbone of waterborne commerce for the nation, hold some of the country’s most valuable fisheries, and serve as critical migratory corridors and feeding grounds for a great diversity of marine mammals, sea turtles, finfish and birds. The region also possesses strong, steady offshore winds that have the potential for generating electricity for the region and creating thousands of jobs, while significantly helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   

“Delaware’s ocean and beaches have always been a point of pride for our state. Offshore wind has the potential to provide clean renewable energy, create jobs and improve public health,” said Governor Markell. “Through the MARCO partnership, Delaware will work across the region to protect our ocean environment, reduce barriers to deploying offshore wind efficiently and maximize the economic benefits to the state.”

Increasing human uses in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean continue to place more demand on the region’s ocean space. Mid-Atlantic States have a strong desire to facilitate sustainable economic growth in their shared ocean waters.

“Through close coordination, the Mid-Atlantic region has the potential to enhance the offshore environment and provide world-class recreational experiences, while also seizing emerging economic opportunities from our incredible ocean environment,” said Secretary Collin O’Mara of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “As part of this effort, Delaware has taken a leadership role in ensuring that the region harnesses the potential of offshore wind and advancing key initiatives that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare our state to adapt to the impacts of sea-level rise on our natural environment and manmade infrastructure.”

The draft federal Framework identifies regional ocean councils, including MARCO, to lead offshore spatial planning, in partnership with federal agencies, to help build on the States’ efforts to balance sustainable uses of the ocean with protection of its critical natural resources. Asserting that the economic return will far surpass the investment, the Governors hope to see dedicated federal support to develop ocean plans. MARCO looks forward to working with the Obama administration and the greater ocean community to prepare wisely for sustainable future ocean uses.