Wind Energy in the Nantucket Sound A righteous, pro-environmental alternative energy proposal? Or A profit seeking, ocean sacrificing capitalist scheme?

Background   Wind turbines are being considered as a practical alternative to fossil fuel power plants for mass electricity production.   Using wind power to mechanize generators results in no greenhouse gas emissions as opposed to oil, natural gas, and coal at a potentially low cost.   As technology has advanced the application of wind power has become possible through competitive cost reduction and has been utilized domestically on land in Vermont and abroad on ocean sites off the coast of Denmark, Ireland and England.   Among the benefits are the lessening of dependency on foreign oil by reducing demand, decreasing energy costs for consumers, and a cleaner source of electricity with negligible impacts on the environment.

Proposal   In early November of 2001, Cape Wind initially submitted a proposal for a lesser sized tower for the purpose of gathering data on the area of the Sound.   Following this, Cape Wind also proposed the primary project which was to construct 170 wind turbines in the Nantucket Sound along with ocean floor transmission cables stretching to the Cape’s mainland as well as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.   The Army Corps of Engineers New England District received the submission and after initial assessment it was determined that an EIS must be made under NEPA law in order for the necessary permits to be acquired.

Proponents and Opponents Advocates Comprised of mainly small grass roots campaigns from among permanent Cape Cod and Island residents and the Cape Wind business interest. Primarily interested in the reduction of fossil fuel use by power plants along the New England sea board and its environmental benefits as well as reduced electricity costs. Opponents Consists of several wealthy and interested summer residents, vacationers, and tourists that have arranged a larger organization called the “Alliance”. Concerned with the effects that the turbines will have on the Cape’s natural scenery as well as their recreational activities. They are also troubled by the potential loss in value of their expensive coastline property.

The Proposal’s Progress   Through studies conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers as well as the Department of Interior compiled with the public comments from public and private interests an Environmental Impact Statement was processed and submitted in A subsequent study was done through the state law as well.   In response to the EIS the proposal was limited to only 130 turbines and it was determined that the initial area of the Nantucket Sound called Horseshoe Shoals was the optimal area for wind reliability.   The project has been slowed down in permit acquisition because of the Interior’s entrance into the process. A tentative date has been has set for final permit acquisition in 2007 from the Interior and the project should begin by 2009 if passed completely.

Related Information Advocates It is calculated that the project will result in construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs generating $7 million in labor income. There will also be an increase of $22 million in economic output in the area. The effects on wildlife will be negligible and even possibly beneficial for certain fish species such as the Cod who will be attracted to the area by the tower’s foundations. Emissions would be reduced in New England power plants by 1 million tons per year. Opponents CO2 sequestration could be used as a process for eliminating and re-using greenhouse emissions and producing more oil and natural gas from drill sites. Only 2% of the fossil fuels utilized in the country contribute to electricity generation. Although subsidies will allow the business to enter the market, it will only result in a non- competitive industry because of the benefit in costs received by the wind energy business.