FAT CATS ON CAPE STILL CAN’T STOP WIND

Plan for huge wind farm moves forward
Jason Szep, March 16, 2009 (Reuters)

"A $1 billion proposal to build the first massive U.S. offshore wind-power farm has moved a step closer to overcoming permit requirements in Massachusetts, where it faces opposition from some influential residents.

"Cape Wind Associates LLC, a privately funded Boston-based energy company, has proposed constructing 130 wind turbines over 24 square miles (62 sq km) in Nantucket Sound, within view of the wealthy Cape Cod resort region of Massachusetts."

This photoshopped simulation shows what a devastation the wind installation would be to the view from the shore. (The tubines are the faint white lines at the water level on the horizon.) (click to enlarge)

"The project, designed to power about 400,000 homes, won tentative approval by Massachusetts authorities for a certificate that combines nine state and local permits needed to build the turbines…[Construction… could begin by early next year with production starting in 2011 or 2012]…

"Opponents -- including some politicians and business leaders [like the Kennedys] with homes on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket [as well as some environmental groups and local fishermen]-- say Cape Wind's turbines would kill migrating birds, threaten the region's lucrative tourist industry and disrupt commercial fishing…[S]upporters, including Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and some green groups, say the project would save millions of dollars in energy costs and help the nation reduce reliance on [fossil fuels]…"

Location of Cape Wind. (click to enlarge)

"The Siting Board…expects [a] final vote within 60-days…If formally approved, the so-called composite certificate would conclude all state and local permitting and overturn a Cape Cod Commission procedural denial…Cape Wind won a favorable environmental review in January from the U.S. Interior Department's Minerals Management Service, which found there would be little negative impact from the project, which would produce an average 170 megawatts.

"The Obama administration will decide whether to grant final government approval…"