The Blue Ribbon Panel on the Development of Wind Turbine Facilities in Coast Waters issued its final report May 2. The panel proposes that the state conduct scientific studies to look at natural resource and economic impacts of an offshore wind farm.

The panel suggested the state set up a test project to determine the effect wind turbines would have on migratory birds and mammals and other natural resources.

"Through the efforts of this panel, New Jersey became the first state to conduct a public and thorough investigation of the costs and benefits of developing offshore wind turbine facilities," said Edward McKenna, the panel´s chairman.

The report also noted the state´s growing energy crisis and need for alternative energy sources.

"The panel did an excellent job of balancing the need to address our state´s serious energy constraints while ensuring protection of our precious offshore natural resources and local economies," McKenna said.

McKenna, the mayor of Red Bank, N.J., was one of six public members on the panel. The others were Timothy Dillingham, executive director of the American Littoral Society; Theodore Korth, special counsel to the New Jersey Audubon Society; Bonnie McCay, professor of anthropology and ecology at Cook College at Rutgers University; Scott Weiner, transitional CEO of the new Jersey Schools Construction Corp.; and Diane Wieland, director of the Cape May County, N.J., Department of Tourism.

Corzine established the panel through an executive order in December 2004 to examine the pros and cons of an offshore wind energy project. The order also halted the funding and permitting of offshore wind turbines.

Further scientific studies along with panel´s findings could lift that moratorium.

"I will closely review the panel´s findings and recommendations and consider them while working to shape New Jersey´s energy and coastal policies," Corzine said.