This week, Interior Secretary Salazar announced that a new comprehensive energy plan is needed to move away from Bush's "drill only" approach to one that secures our national, economic, and environmental security.  As part of that effort, Salazar intends to build a framework for offshore renewable energy development. 

NRDC is committed to supporting renewable energy and energy efficient technology as part of our critical transition to a better energy future.  We recognize that offshore renewable energy, carefully developed to minimize ecological impacts, is one important component of a sustainable energy portfolio.  However, our ocean systems are experiencing a silent collapse as a result of pollution, destruction of productive marine habitat, increased strain on fish stocks, and global warming induced acidification.  Increased ocean development will further stress our valuable ocean resources and jeopardize the important services they provide, such as food, jobs, and recreation. 

To ensure our country's economic and environmental health, we encourage Secretary Salazar to ensure that ocean energy development is paired with ocean protection and comprehensive planning based on sound science and ecosystem based management principles.