In an interview with The Associated Press, Salazar called for the creation of "renewable energy zones" to smooth development of offshore wind projects.

"The scientists tell me that when you look at the wind energy potential off the Atlantic it may be greater than we have onshore," Salazar said. "But what we don't have in place at this point are the rules to move forward with renewable energy offshore."

Salazar said that states like New Jersey and Delaware are "raring to go" with wind energy projects. But he acknowledged that officials in other coastal states, such as Massachusetts, are divided.

A $1 billion project to erect 130 giant wind turbines off Cape Cod has long been opposed by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who has argued it would kill birds, endanger sea life and imperil the area's tourism and fishing industries. The state's Democratic governor, Deval Patrick, supports it, as does most of the public.

Salazar on Monday said the project "makes sense." "From what I know of the Cape Cod wind project it is a good project," he said.

The standoff in Massachusetts could play out across the country as Salazar seeks to expand renewable electricity production and the transmission lines to carry it on public lands. Both are needed, he said, to curb the nation's dependence on foreign oil and deal with the heat-trapping emissions from the burning of fossil fuels that are linked to global warming.

When asked about opposition, Salazar said it was imperative that "we get this thing done and not get stuck in a not-in-my-backyard syndrome." He also said it is a "false choice" to pit aggressive development of renewable energy against the protection of the country's wildlife and treasured landscapes.

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