Feds Give Key Approval For Cape Cod Wind Farm

A key federal agency has given environmental approval to a proposed wind farm off Cape Cod, providing a boost for a project at the center of a bitter public fight.

The wind farm's foes, including Sen. Edward Kennedy, argue it will ruin the view, harm the environment and hurt the tourism and fishing industries.

But the Minerals Management Service report released Friday said plans by developer Cape Wind Associates to build the nation's first offshore wind farm would pose no major environmental problems.

Various federal and state agencies have been reviewing the proposal for 130 windmills across 25 miles of federal waters in Nantucket Sound since 2001. Supporters say it will provide cheaper energy and less pollution.