Sen. Kirk Urges Wind Farm Delay

By WBUR News & Wire Services
Nov 28, 2009, 11:30 AM
8 Comments

BOSTON — Massachusetts Senator Paul Kirk is drawing criticism from supporters of the Cape Wind Project after asking President Obama to delay federal approval for construction of 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound.

In a letter to the President, Kirk argued that approval of the project would be premature until a federal panel issues broad guidelines on the use of U.S. waters.

Kirk’s stance places him at odds with Governor Deval Patrick, who appointed Kirk to the senate after the death of Ted Kennedy.

Cape Wind spokesman, Mark Rodgers said the project has already undergone eight years of review.

“The site..has been fully vetted..it will deliver a lot of environmental and economic impact..very little in the way of negative impact.”

Audra Parker is the executive director of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound. She supports Kirk’s position.

“The fact that they have been going through a lengthy review really underscores two things. One, there were no relegulations in place when they first started and secondly the project is so rife with conflicts.”

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Congressman Edward Markey has asked the president to approve the project before the United Nations’ climate change conference next month.

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http://randyrome@gmail.com Randolph V Rome

put up those windmills now! Ridiculous! Set an example! Clean power now!
Russ Robinson

I’d like to know what the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound objects to regarding this project. As I understand it, these windmills are planned to be six miles off shore, making them a much less eyesore than those who live within a six mile radius of an oil fired/coal fired power plant have to put up with. These people who live on the Sound have no problem using the electricity that dirty plants produce, and have no problem with the fact that they are in someone elses back yard. No noise, no polution, six miles away–suck it up; build the wind farm.
scott stuiut

Remember Ted opposed this project. He is only doing what Ted would have done. Sadly the idea not on my beach front comes to mind. The Kennedy compound would have the eyesore if if the project is built.
Paula Erickson

How easy is it to label people of Cape Cod who care about the environment and wildlife as worried about an “eyesore”!!!
Do they even understand how much oil will be out there on the platform???
Kennedy was much to bright to take a stand against the windfarm based on his “view” from the compound.
I. M. Speakingd

One of the major problems with the offshore windmills is securing them to the ocean floor. The other more noted problem is that they are considered unsightly and spoil the view. The first of these problems can be solved by using floating windmills instead. See the following website: http://www.livescience.com/technology/060918_floating_windmills.html

The second problem of spoiling the ocean view can be eliminated by painting the offshore windmills to blend in with the sea and the sky. They would not be noticed by people on the shore. There should also be some warning device, sounds emitted to scare birds (or bats) when they appproach these windmills so they do not fly into them. Perches near the ocean might encourages birds (or bats)to stay away from the blades, so they do not get hit by them.
Richard

We’re told we need to make sacrifices for our country. Some are laying down their lives, so some people should be able to put up with wind mills in their view. The country needs the energy and we need to get off of the imported oil so we can stop sending our children to their deaths!
Don Shcaefer

I agree with Sen. Kennedy and Kirk. Placing windfarms at that location will be permanent – they will be there forever. Why build in wilderness!!! Even if I can’t see them, they don’t need to be there. Think of all the oil, traffic, and pollution that will be needed to build and maintain them. What’s wrong with land based farms? There’s plenty of land along the windy rail corridor from North Station, and plenty of wind. :>)
Rudolf

It’s already been delayed over four (4) years. How much longer will the NIMBYs rule? The MA liberals want “clean green renewable” power sources except when its in their backyard. Now its that he waters are Indian sacred areas? What garbage. Hypocrites!

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