...The venture stands as a critical test of whether the Obama administration, which views investing in renewable energy as key to reviving the economy and combating climate change, can launch the clean-energy revolution it has promised voters.

Ian Bowles, the Massachusetts energy and environmental affairs secretary, called the Cape Wind project "symbolic of America's struggle with clean energy. Its symbolism has risen above the number of megawatts."

Both sides agree that this offshore wind project, which would be the first in the United States and would furnish about 75 percent of Cape Cod's energy, shows just how hard it will be to construct wind farms off America's coasts.   "The tortured history of Cape Wind is not just a not-in-my-backyard story of fisherman and wealthy people on the Cape," said Michael Moynihan, director of the Green Project at NDN, a centrist think tank. "It is emblematic of the difficulty of getting wind online, anywhere in America, with a system designed a century ago that is frankly hostile to renewable energy."
Note: Click here to read this article in the Washington Post

...The environmental concerns have been laid to rest by thorough review. Even the latest charge, that the Bush administration "rushed" the review process, doesn't challenge the conclusions officials reached. The aesthetic concerns opponents raise, are, at best, overstated.

The U.S. has lagged behind other countries in the development of offshore wind power for years. Far from being rushed, Cape Wind has been through 9 years of redundant reviews. More delay is pointless. Issue your ruling, Mr. Secretary, and let's get to work.
Note:

Click here to read this Metrowest Daily News editorial

Click here to listen to WBUR segment that aired during Morning Edition on February 5, includes Cape resident Bill Eddy who speaks from the heart in support of Cape Wind

Click here to listen to WBUR's Radio Boston program of Feburary 5, most of the hour devoted to Cape Wind including Massachusetts Secretary of Energy & Environment Ian Bowles and Cape Wind Communications Director Mark Rodgers as well as WBUR reporter Curt Nickisch who reports on his experience of offshore and onshore wind turbines in Denmark

Click here to listen to February 6 segment on Cape Wind on the NPR Program Living On Earth, includes Cape Wind President Jim Gordon

...We understand the concerns of Native Americans and other opponents who love and admire the beauty of Cape Cod.

But America’s future depends on energy independence – and the Cape Wind project is a step in that direction. The wind farm would supply, on average, the equivalent of 75 percent of the energy needs of Cape Cod and the Islands.
Note: Click here to read this editorial in the Springfield Republican

...No matter where you build in the eastern United States, you are likely to mar someone's view or disturb land that some group considers valuable. In this case, the plan's potential benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

The wind farm's developers aim to provide 75 percent of the electricity for the Cape and nearby islands. And the project would be an early test of wind power's feasibility, taking advantage of the area's rare natural setting to push costs down.   The tribes and other locals, on the other hand, would have to put up with windmills many miles offshore. Mr. Salazar should move Cape Wind along.
Note: Click here to read this Washington Post Editorial

...Salazar announced no conclusions yesterday about the advisability of locating the wind farm in the scenic Sound, but his visit to the Wampanoag and the area underscores just how high-stakes the Cape Wind farm has become to the Obama administration, which is hoping to accelerate renewable energy efforts and show the world it is serious about fighting manmade climate change. If completed, the project’s developers say it will supply, on average, the equivalent of 75 percent of the energy needs of Cape Cod and the Islands.

For opponents and supporters of the wind farm, the day appeared as a kind of last stand after a nine-year permitting saga. About 60 demonstrators waved signs for and against the project as Salazar’s boat docked an hour late in Woods Hole.
Note:

Click here to read this article in the Boston Globe

In 2009, eight new wind power plants came into operations, bringing the total capacity to 2,056 MW. Another 1,000 MW of wind energy offshore will be achieved in 2010.
Note: Click here to read this article on reve

In his Jan. 14 guest commentary, Joe Kennedy announced that he now opposes the development of offshore wind energy. By doing so, Mr. Kennedy has put himself at odds with not only the energy and environmental policies of the United States, Massachusetts and Europe, but also with the most respected environmental and health advocacy organizations, as well as his own prior positions.
Note: Click here to read this Op Ed by Dennis Duffy in the Cape Cod Times

Recent Letters to the Editor in favor of Cape Wind published in USA Today, the Boston Globe, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

...Interior Department officials pledge to get the project off the ground by April. The Boston Globe reported last week that Mr. Salazar is allowing public comment until Feb. 12 and hopes to have a compromise worked out by March 1. If no compromise is reached, the feds could then take the matter into their own hands.

Cape Wind is a worthy, environmentally responsible proposal — and a patient one. After nine years, it’s time to get the 130 turbines installed and turning.
Note:

Click here to read this Worcester Telegram & Gazette editorial