Cape Wind Project Approved after Lengthy Debate

On April 28, after nine long years, America’s first planned offshore wind farm won federal approval.  Debate over view shed preservation was the leading argument against the erection of the wind project, stalling the project for many years.  The wind farm will include 130 wind turbines on a shoal in Nantucket Sound approximately 5 miles off the coast of Cape Cod.  This will generate enough electricity to provide almost 75% of the demand for Cape Cod and the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

This decision marks a historic step forward for energy policy in the United States, signaling that the United States is serious about securing its energy future and is willing to take action to make that happen.  Supporters of Cape Wind, among other environmental groups in the nation, believe the project will help supply clean electricity and help to counter global warming.  Proponents are pleased that the visionaries recognized the critical importance of this project to the state, the northeast, and the nation.