WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 2, 2009) – A comprehensive government survey of offshore energy resources shows enormous potential for offshore wind power, particularly off the Atlantic Coast, while at the same time identifying major information gaps for offshore oil and gas resources, according to energy and ocean policy experts at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The survey was released today by Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar: http://www.doi.gov/ocs/.

A statement follows from Sarah Chasis, Director of the Ocean Initiative at the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“By outlining the significant potential for offshore renewable energy in America today, Secretary Salazar continues to set us on the path to a clean energy future. This report shows there is enormous opportunity to turn to new energy sources – like offshore wind power – that can’t spill, run out or harm public health. It underscores the need to begin planning for the siting of these facilities in an environmentally responsible way.

“We must move America closer to a clean energy economy that will create new jobs, cut energy costs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and curb global warming pollution. Expanded oil drilling will only continue to support our bad habit and risk oil spills off our beaches – without even lowering energy prices. We can repower our country and break our addiction to oil.”