April 28th, 2010
© laura padgett
Several sources (CNN, Renewable Energy World, Venture Beat) are following events surrounding the approval of America's first offshore wind farm – in Massachusetts' Nantucket Sound.
US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar approved the project on Wednesday – after nine years of planning that has bitterly divided Cape Cod residents. The wind farm will have 130 turbines and (when fully operational) will supply all of the power needs of Cape Cod.
The wind farm has faced steep opposition. American Indian tribes in the region say the project will desecrate sacred grounds and interfere with sunrise rituals. The Kennedy family and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney have opposed the project. ON the other hand, every environmental group of consequence in the US has voiced support for the project.
Opponents of the project say they will now take up their fight in court.