Cape Wind Blows Back at Cape Cod Commission Ruling
If you have an eye on renewable energy you’ve likely been following the Cape Wind proposal for the first U.S. offshore wind-power farm. Cape Wind Associates LLC has proposed installation of 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound - a project that could potentially power nearly a half million homes with renewable energy.
An application by Cape Wind to bury connection cables - needed to tie in to the Massachusetts grid - was denied by the Cape Cod Commission in October of this year. The company has now challenging the ruling and asking that the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board review the decision.
There are a lot of different sides to this ongoing story which began in 2001. Proponents of the plan see it as an opportunity to save energy and money while weaning the state (and U.S.) off of foreign oil used for heating in the Northeast. Those who are opposed to the wind farm cite the threat to migrating birds and the region’s tourism.
It’s not surprising is that many opponents own property on the islands where the wind farm would be visible in the distance about five miles offshore. But the islands off of the Massachusetts coast have some strong renewable energy initiatives of their own. I think the opposition is as much an attempt to protect the surrounding natural beauty as a recognition that there are other alternatives to Cape Wind’s proposal.
If Cape Wind wins approval the project would move quickly and be done within two years. The number of homes that would be able to use the renewable energy is significant. The arguments for and against the proposal are both quite strong.
I see both sides of the argument. I’ve done bird field studies up and down the Massachusetts coast, including in Cape Cod National seashore, and the wildlife sanctuary there is a national treasure. I’ve also visited fenceline communities up and down the oil refineries of the Mississippi River and would much rather live within five miles of a wind farm.
Currently I live in Germany where wind turbines dot the shorelines and the inland landscape. I also live within five miles of four coal plants - one, under construction, will be the largest in Europe. I favor renewable energy over these other choices any day but the question remains is Nantucket Sound the right place?
There are so many questions and issues that arise from this project that it’s difficult to say what is the right decision but I’m thinking that this project may not be the best solution. I would really like to hear from readers - what’s your take on the Cape Wind proposal? Do you think it’s a wise decision to disrupt this region in pursuit of renewable energy?
Read more:
- Cape Wind Challenges Ruling on Undersea Cables at Reuters
- The Wind and The Willful at Grist
- Save our Sound Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound website
- Cape Cod Commission website
- Cape Wind website
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