When are we going to get serious about energy independence? We have talked it to death since 9/11, the ultimate wake-up-call. Unfortunately, everyone in Washington, and the American people, have hit the snooze button. This is insane that we allow it to continue.
Locally, we have the long delayed Cape Wind project. A $1 billion dollar, cutting edge project that could put the state, if not the region, at the forefront of this green energy, green jobs revolution I keep hearing about. First we had to deal with the noted outdoorsmen and environmentalist, Sen. Edward Kennedy, and his repeated obstructions.
After he passed away, many Cape Wind proponents thought momentum would turn back in their favor. That has not been the case. We’ve gone from the ridiculous (Liberals opposing massive “green” project) to the sublime, literally,
Cape Wind seemed near final approval after it passed a major environmental review in January, but that’s been delayed by the Wampanoag tribes in Mashpee and Martha’s Vineyard.
The tribes argue the entire sound is eligible for a listing on the National Register of Historic Places as their “traditional cultural property.”
The Wampanoags say they need that protection because Cape Wind’s 130 turbines will be visible several miles away on the horizon, destroying their ancient rituals, which require an unblocked view of the sunrise.
As a country, we are faced with serious financial and security threats and they are, frankly, standing in the way of progress.
What makes this all the more maddening is that back in May, Cape Wind passed what should have been their final hurdle before beginning work on the country’s first offshore wind farm.
Cape Wind: Final State Approval to Begin Development
The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board today gave its final approval to Cape Wind, issuing the long awaited “super permit” necessary for development to begin on the clean energy project supported by over 86 percent of Massachusetts residents.
What next? Is PETA going to file an injunction because some fish may have to change zip codes? Enough is enough with the delays.