Boston,
MA – The final public hearing on
the federal review of the Cape Wind Project wrapped up in the UMASS Boston
gymnasium last night. This was the final
of four public hearings hosted by the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the
federal agency responsible for the environmental review of the wind farm
proposed off the coast of Cape Cod. After finding no significant negative impacts
in their draft review, which was released in January, the MMS is expected to
issue a final decision on the project before the end of the year.
“We are excited that after more than six years of review, CapeWind is
finally moving forward, and Massachusetts
is one step closer to a new energy future,” said Diana Connett, energy
associate with Environment Massachusetts.
With a 460 megawatt capacity from 130 turbines, Cape WindIslands,
and has been reviewed by more than 17 local, state, and federal agencies. To date, there have been no major negative
impacts found on the ecosystem, wildlife, recreation, or marine traffic.
would provide three-quarters of the power for the Cape and
“Cape Wind will set a precedent, launching Massachusetts into the vanguard of states leading the clean
energy revolution in America,”
added Connett. “With the reality of
global warming, air pollution threatening public health, and skyrocketing
energy bills, we need Cape
Wind, and we need it
now.”
More than 160 representatives from environmental groups,
unions, opponent groups, and others showed up to comment on the draft
environmental impact statement last night.
Before construction of Cape
Wind can commence, MMS
must issue final approval and the project must cross one more state-level
hurdle. If approved, Cape Wind
may begin construction as early as 2009.
“The record is clear.
Cape Wind is good for the environment and
good for consumers,” concluded Connett.
