http://jwsbeverly.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://jwsbeverly.tigblog.org/post/586639
The report declared that the wind farm off Cape Cod would have little lasting impact on wildlife, navigation, and tourism. The report cleared the way for the Obama administration to make a final decision on whether to issue a lease for the project.

The Minerals Management Service reviewed Cape Wind's impact on noise, coastal vegetation, wildlife, fisheries, tourism, and aviation, as well as other issues. Wildlife and fish would be affected minimally, except for a "moderate" impact on some birds, the report said. And, Rodney Cluck, who oversaw the agency's review, said, "we feel we can mitigate most of those" effects. The report determined there would be a "minor" impact on tourism.

So, after years of Congressional delay, many may think that the creation of America's first offshore wind farm would finally be on the fast track to federal approval. After all, alternative energy has been a campaign pledge by the new American President and offshore wind power fits Obama's energy initiatives in every way.

The problem is that powerful forces within the Presidents own party have opposed the Nantucket Offshore wind farm for the last decade. Massachusetts Congressman William Delahunt and Senator Ted Kennedy have opposed the wind project because they believe that the turbines would kill birds and endanger sea life while imperiling the scenic area's tourism and fishing industries.

Green peace believes that the Massachusetts Democrats opposition to the wind farm is due to the Kennedy's pristine ocean view. Recently, the environmental group launched a three-week, $40,000 television ad campaign in the Boston and Cape Cod media markets urging both Delahunt and Kennedy ‘‘to put public backing for clean energy before the interests of wealthy homeowners on the sound“.

Kennedy has said that he does not oppose the project because of aesthetics but the fact is that the turbines would stand 440 feet above sea level. As a result, the Kennedy family's Hyannis Port, Mass., ocean front compound would have a clear view of the wind farm which would be located just 4.7 miles offshore.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Governor Duval Patrick, also a Democrat and a friend of the new President has the opposite viewpoint. He has championed the wind farm, embracing it as part of a push to make his state a leader in alternative energy.

In fact, the site of the wind turbines was chosen because it was highly favorable for wind development (maybe the best in the East Coast). The area has strong steady winds and is close to onshore power lines while being protected from high waves.

America's first offshore wind farm is still caught in a stiff political breeze. The Obama administration will tread very carefully because of Ted Kennedy's dedicated opposition.

With environmental reports still pending from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Interior Department's inspector general, there is plenty of opportunity for further political delay. As a result, wind turbines in Nantucket Sound may not become an American alternative energy reality anytime soon.

James William Smith has worked in Senior management positions for some of the largest Financial Services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. Visit his website at http://www.eWorldvu.com or his daily blog at http://www.eworldvublog.blogspot.com



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