The State of New Jersey has announced that it has selected Deepwater Wind to develop a $1 Billion dollar wind farm near Atlantic City.  As you may recall, Deepwater Wind is developing a $1.5 billion wind farm off Rhode Island's coast and is also constructing a manufacturing facility at Quonsett Point.  Initially, Deepwater Wind estimated that their facillity would employ 800 people, but the New Jersey project will likely result in that number jumping substantially.

     There have been some criticisms of the selection of Deepwater Wind due to some links with friends of Governor Carcieri, and the company's lack of experience.  Despite these problems, the deal with Deepwater Wind could pay huge dividends.  Not only will we get a huge source of alternative energy, but we will get a production facility in a growing field that should explode in popularity in the coming years.  Rhode Island could become a leader in the production of wind turbines and green energy.

     The criticisms from local Democrats are due to anger.  They're angered at how Governor Carcieri has taken a leadership position on an issue which is traditionally Democratic.  He's helping the state create a clean source of energy, reducing the price of energy, creating jobs, and positioning Rhode Island to be a leader in alternative energy.  The Governor took a leadership position on one of "their" issues, and they don't like it.