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"The Blue Ribbon Panel will take this time to study the appropriateness of offshore wind turbines facilities," Codey said in a written statement.
"This issue raises important questions about how we will deal with global warming and air pollution levels; and how we will utilize one of our most precious resources -- the Jersey Shore. It is time for us to hear from the public."
A coalition of seven environmental and research groups drafted a letter to Codey yesterday denouncing the moratorium.
"New Jersey should be enacting policies to encourage the development of clean, renewable energy resources," the letter to Codey read.
"A moratorium on offshore wind prohibits any movement forward to develop this clean energy resource, and in effect supports the harmful consequences of other current and new fossil fuel and nuclear projects."
Opponents to the offshore windmills argue the 300-400-foot windmills will destroy the aesthetics of the Jersey shore community.
"Aesthetics is not a reason to give up on a technology," said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, who pointed out that the windmills would be located five miles offshore and barely visible to beach-goers.
"No one is complaining about ugly smokestacks along the shore, or nuclear power plants," Tittel said. "No one is complaining about the ugly McMansions that are being built along the Jersey shore. Wind is a clean alternative energy for our future."
The nine-member panel includes six people appointed by Codey and three members in cabinet-level positions. The acting governor’s executive order mandates they return with a completed study by March 2006.
