The talking point is simple--for both energy availability, national security, and environmental concerns the US must embrace alternative, cleaner energy sources. One of the more promising alternative energy technologies that meet the aforementioned concerns is wind power.European nations have embraced the technology and have turbines off their coastlines. China has embraced the technology and the Asian nation is trying to become the dominate player in the development and construction of wind turbines. However, as the United States tries to embrace this alternative energy technology, those standing in the way of expansion of wind farms have been vocal and active, and opponent groups can range from private property rights advocates to historic site preservationists, and those lining up in opposition typically include environmental advocates concerned about aesthetics and harm to bird species.
Currently, wind farm opponents and developers looking to establish wind farms up and down the east coast are watching with concern to see whether or not US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will yield to opposition groups and deny a wind farm permit off Nantucket Sound, or whether Salazar will issue the permit for the 130 turbine project and end the nine-year regulatory fight over the farm--the first proposed offshore wind farm in the United States. Salazar is supposed to announce the ruling later this week.
Before the ruling has been issued, the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe and the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, have both threatened to sue if the project is approved. For many the ruling is crucial in determining whether or not opponents of wind farms can succesfully stop projects. Additionally, the ruling can set a precedent for future wind farm decisions and potential legal action. This is why so much is riding on Salazar's ruling.
As Beth Daley reports for the Boston Globe online, "[a]dvocates for wind energy are closely watching the progress of the Cape Wind project . . . Supporters say approval . . . would pave the way for" more offshore wind farms, but they are also concerned that denying the permit ". . . will embolden [wind farm opponents] efforts to quash proposed wind farms elsewhere."
Opponents of this project believe the farm would harm historic and cultural sites, endanger birds, affect fishing and aviation, and harm property values. These arguments are typical of wind farm opponents. Proponents argue wind farms are a clean energy source that can help end America's dependence on fossil fuels while also creating new jobs. There seems to be little middle ground for the two competing interests to reach a compromise.
This is why Salazar's ruling, and any subsequent legal battles will be crucial in determining the future of wind farm development in the United States.
To read the Boston Globe article click here.
To visit the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound website, click here.
To learn more about renewable energy laws and policies, click here to visit the National Agricultural Law Center's Reading Room on Renewable Energy.
Posted: 04/27/10
