The federal government has given approval for the development of Cape Wind, America’s first big offshore wind farm, on Horseshoe Shoal in Nantucket Sound.
The Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, announced his decision to approve the project, with only minor changes, at a joint press conference with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick at noon on Wednesday.
Construction could begin within the year on the 130-turbine development, Mr. Salazar said.
The development would create 1,000 construction jobs, and save the emission of some 700,000 tones of carbon dioxide each year, compared with a conventional oil or coal plant, he also said.
The project has been pending for 10 years and has seen fierce opposition. Secretary Salazar said the government would ensure a “more rational and orderly” assessment process for future proposals.
He anticipated legal action to try to stop the development, but said he was confident the decision-making process would withstand any challenge.
The Secretary also addressed claims by Indian tribes on the Cape and Vineyard that the development would interfere with tribal religious practices and potential archeological sites on the seabed of Nantucket Sound.
If such a claim were accepted, he said, it would set a precedent which could have prevented wind power from being established anywhere along the Eastern Seaboard.
He hoped Cape Wind would be the first of many such projects, a number of which already are proposed along the East Coast.
A complete story about the Cape Wind announcement will appear in the Friday Gazette.
This article appears in April 23, 2010.
Congratulations on the Wind Farm – Voters went for Obama overwhelmingly in the polls , thinking he was so wonderful. He stabs you in the back by showing no concern at all for the opposition to these unslightly windmills. Will there be another ‘Obama Day’ this year on the Vineyard ? Nice job Massachusettes !
The MV Times reporting of today’s announcement is far more complete.
Diane and all,
So coal is safer and cleaner too?
I’m guessing far fewer human deaths due to wind-generated power and 700,000 tons of Co2 emmisions saved too!
One small step for the US to try to catch up with the modern world energy reduction leaders. Many more big steps needed!
Thanks Diane, we did do a great job!!! Wind power is one of the smartest things that we could have done for ourselves so that maybe unlike NJ our children won’t all have asthma from the pollution…hmmm maybe you guys should have an Obama day! By the way, unsightly vs. the good of the planet not much of a choice but guess that’s just us from MA!
Before you pile on Diane, consider the following:
1. There are two petroleum fired and two coal fired plants in southwestern MA.
2. None of those plants will be closed due to the windmills in the Sound—so reconsider the idea that 100% clean air is on the way.
3. In fact, the windmills almost guarantee that from a political standpoint these dirtier plants will have a continuing role propping up the 20% efficient windmills—they become indispensable—just ask their lobbyists, and President Obama who ran on “Clean Coal”.
4. Gov. Patrick, when asked how much the project will cost said that he did not know, and referred the reporter to the developer.
5. The developer says he’s not talking about the cost to build, but previously he has stated that electricity rates for the Cape and Islands will certainly rise after the project is completed.
6. Federal and state taxes will be used to pay a chunk of this project (Big Dig fans will love that!)
And I could go on and on, and I’m sure I’ll get back into the discussion later, when my head cools a bit. The point is that as a political coup, this is quite a success. Meanwhile the sites for East Coast oil platforms are being divvied up in Washington right now. The idea that we will be getting out of the oil biz anytime soon is also a myth.
Obviously I’m not in favor of wind energy as a large scale solution—smaller, land based groupings might be a better bet. Wind is far too inefficient, as Europe has proven, and the trade off for such beauty as can be seen in our local waters is absolutely not worth it. I would like to see a “moon shot” approach to our energy problems. JFK had it right. Put the smartest people in a room and give them what they need in money and resources to solve the problem by the end of the decade. We have never even tried such an approach—why not?
If GM sold an expensive car that would be non polluting only 20% of the time, and would still require gasoline, would you buy it? If your answer is yes, then wind “farming” is for you. By the way, you would have bought a hybrid, only to find that in another year or two that 100% electric (goodbye gas pump!) cars are coming to market. Sometimes it pays to wait just a little longer for the better technology.
The front page of today’s New York Times has an article on the Cape Wind victory and next to it a chilling satellite image of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. One cannot fail to make the connection.
Obama ran for president IN FAVOR of Cape Wind so Diane you must be itching for an anti-Obama angle here but there isn’t one sorry. And “unsightly” is not a strong enough objection to the farm. It’s the vision not the view.
The Obama family were lovely guests on the island, and we would welcome them back.
Conservation is still key to our energy future!
SF
This is WONDERFUL news. Like the slender towering masts of sailing vessels working the waters throughout our history, these 100% environmentally friendly sources of energy will stand regal above the sea. And, as we watch the worst environmental disaster unfold across the Gulf of Mexico as the oil spill has grown to at least 5X it’s size with petroleum still spewing forth below the water line one has to ask ANYONE who opposes Wind Power Here or Anywhere Else: Do you REALLY think wind power is a bad idea? Because the devastation being wrought in the Gulf is beyond comprehension. GO WIND FARM!!! Welcome to the 21st Century – finally.
When the technology exists to put these out of sight, and they don’t, it’s clear that a mistake has been made. To those of you who love and adore the beauty of Horseshoe Shoal, take it in now, because it’s only a matter of time before it’s gone for your lifetime, and that of your children.
And if the image of these in the distance appeals to you and conjures images of environmental progress, think of the thousands of strobe lights, beacon lights, and warning lights that will light up the Sound at night. Your once beautiful and serene waters are now an Industrial Complex.
Don’t be fooled, it would cost more, but these turbines could be sited 15 miles or more off the eastern-most shore of the Vineyard, out of sight, and out of mind.
No thank you, Salazar.