MoreAfter years of delay, the Department of the Interior has approved the wind turbine project off Cape Cod.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced on April 28, 2010 that his department approved the Cape Wind renewable energy project on federal submerged lands in Nantucket Sound, but will require the developer of the $1 billion wind farm to agree to additional binding measures to minimize the potential adverse impacts of construction and operation of the facility.
"After careful consideration of all the concerns expressed during the lengthy review and consultation process and thorough analyses of the many factors involved, I find that the public benefits weigh in favor of approving the Cape Wind project at the Horseshoe Shoal location," Salazar said in an announcement at the State House in Boston. "With this decision we are beginning a new direction in our Nation's energy future, ushering in America's first offshore wind energy facility and opening a new chapter in the history of this region."
The project is expected to erect 130 wind turbines with the closest one to land off the Cape to be 5.2 miles. While environmentalists have enthusiastically approved of this project for nearly a decade, political forces from residents living on the island have used every legal measure available to block the project including writing new laws that would eliminate the ability to build. Other offshore projects have been suggested along the coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Because of delays with this project, the other projects have been in a limbo status. Opponents have vowed to take the next step and file lawsuits to further block construction. However, this announcement may be enough to loosen approvals for the other projects that are in waiting.
Click here to read the entire announcement from Mr. Salazar.
The Cape Wind project is expected to include 130 floating turbines to supply over 200,000 homes with their electrical needs. The closest turbine to land will be 5.2 miles offshore.
"After careful consideration of all the concerns expressed during the lengthy review and consultation process and thorough analyses of the many factors involved, I find that the public benefits weigh in favor of approving the Cape Wind project at the Horseshoe Shoal location," Salazar said in an announcement at the State House in Boston. "With this decision we are beginning a new direction in our Nation's energy future, ushering in America's first offshore wind energy facility and opening a new chapter in the history of this region."
The project is expected to erect 130 wind turbines with the closest one to land off the Cape to be 5.2 miles. While environmentalists have enthusiastically approved of this project for nearly a decade, political forces from residents living on the island have used every legal measure available to block the project including writing new laws that would eliminate the ability to build. Other offshore projects have been suggested along the coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Because of delays with this project, the other projects have been in a limbo status. Opponents have vowed to take the next step and file lawsuits to further block construction. However, this announcement may be enough to loosen approvals for the other projects that are in waiting.
Click here to read the entire announcement from Mr. Salazar.
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