Governors vow to jointly fight Atlantic pollution

ALBANY, NY – (AP) Governors from five states say they will work together to protect their Atlantic coasts and collaborate on developing offshore wind farms for renewable energy.

The agreement Thursday establishes the Governors Mid-Atlantic Council on Oceans with New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

Meeting at Borough of Manhattan College, New York Gov. David Paterson says his state and the region have relied on the Atlantic for food, commerce, recreation and transportation and face a new generation of issues to keep it healthy.

Problems include more beaches closed by pollution, depleted fisheries, rising tides and warming waters.

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine says jobs and local economies are at stake.