ATLANTIC CITY-- The proposal to install a wind farm off the coast of New Jersey has been heavily debated for some time. As Governor Corzine pushes towards renewable energy, the state may be one step closer to becoming the first in the country to install offshore turbines.

In recent years, land based wind turbines have been providing electricity here at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority in Atlantic City all the way to Texas. "Folks want this form of energy," said President of the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, Rick Dovey.

This form of energy is in demand, not only for environmental benefits but also for saving on energy costs. "It looks like we'll save over half million dollars every year because of the installation that's here."

Governor Jon Corzine is set to make a decision on a proposed pilot project to install dozens of turbines off the coast. "It's ideal for New Jersey, our wind energy except immediately along the coast is not that strong, but offshore, it's very strong."

The state currently imports half of its electricity, and half of that comes from the west such as from coal in the Ohio Valley, but all of that could change if Corzine gives approval. "We'll get the environmental benefits of offshore wind...wind power is a renewable source ad also have energy generated here close to New Jersey at not a great expense."

Wind farms have world wide appeal...a group came from Vietnam to tour the Atlantic County facility. "This is probably the fifth international group we've had visit in the last year and a half, there's an interest in wind around the world."

Offshore wind farms are nothing new to Europe... There are twenty successfully operating offshore sites, and that's why some believe New Jersey is the next best spot. "We could become an ideal location and have good shot at being one of the first places in country for offshore wind farms as state moves forward with the project."

A final decision is expected October 3rd, the earliest the project would start is 2011. Meanwhile, the DEP is investigating potential impact on birds and marine life.

Governor Corzine’s proposed state energy master plan calls for one thousand megawatts to be generated by offshore wind. That number could be increased to three thousand megawatts when and if the plan is adopted.