This week the Cape Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of Cape Cod received the necessary permits to go forward after a protracted battle. Here's an article from the Cape Cod Times, and here is the Clean Power Now press release:
Cape Wind Receives "Super Permit" as Final State Approval to Begin Development
The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board today gave its final approval to Cape Wind, issuing the long awaited "super permit" necessary for development to begin on the clean energy project supported by over 86 percent of Massachusetts residents.
"Today's step in approving Cape Wind is truly a landmark decision for both the Commonwealth and the nation," said Barbara Hill, executive director of Clean Power Now. "Massachusetts can now be called the leader in clean energy."
The super permit issued by the Energy Facilities Siting Board effectively rolls up all nine state and local permits related to the electric cables into one 'composite certificate'.
"Cape Wind will not only establish Massachusetts as a national leader in working to end global warming by eliminating a staggering 730,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions," said Captain Richard Elrick, President of Clean Power Now's Board of Directors; "it will also serve as a springboard for the creation of thousands of offshore wind industry jobs at a critical time when new jobs are desperately needed to help rebuild our economy."
Clean Power Now is a non-profit grassroots organization based in Hyannis, Massachusetts with over 12,000 members committed to viable renewable energy projects and policies such as the Cape Wind project.
Unfortunately, this is only the final STATE permit. Federal approval is still needed. The Cape Wind Project needs a final letter of approval from Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to finally begin construction. Let's hope that approval comes soon. Salazar has been talking up the potential for offshore wind power in the United States and touting his agencies efforts to smooth the way for expanded offshore wind power production. Time for him to put his permits where his mouth is.
Posted by: Jesse Jenkins at May 22, 2009 8:28 PM