Immediate tasks laid out in the memorandum of understanding are to encourage sustainable energy market demand within those states, and to promote federal policies and transmission strategies that encourage offshore wind development.

"This collaboration will allow us to take full advantage of these opportunities and pool our collective abilities for not only a smart, green and growing Maryland, but a cleaner and more sustainable region, as well," says Martin O'Malley its governor.

The agreement also calls for study of ways to coordinate regional supply chain facilities that would support an offshore wind energy infrastructure including construction, operations and maintenance.

The governors did not mention a financial committment on behalf of their states toward accelerating wind energy development.

Delaware Governor Jack Markell says the pact is also aimed at green job creation. He says his state will likely become the first in the US to develop an offshore wind farm, which has been proposed by Bluewater Wind.

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine also signed the agreement.

NRG Energy this week bought Bluewater Wind from Babcock and Brown, and Aracdia Windpower. Terms were not disclosed.

Delmarva Power in 2008 signed a power purchase agreement with Bluewater Wind for 200 megawatts from the offshore project.