Community | March 02, 2009 | 15 comments

Cape Wind: Clean energy vs. conservation

source: http://greenairradio.com/?p=1236

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Greenpointer
Conservation collides with clean energy in a calamatous climate kerfoffel on Cape Cod.

Cape Wind has become Cape Fear for some Massachusetts coastal residents, including some at the posh Kennedy compound, but for wind energy advocates, this is one US project that’s creating more fanfare than fright.

Slated to be the first offshore wind farm in the continental US, Cape Wind will provide 130 mammoth turbines in the middle of the Nantucket Sound. These energy generating windmills will deliver 420 megawatts of clean power, enough to to supply 75% of the region’s energy needs.

While this excites islanders looking to clean up their energy consumption, this project does have it’s critics. An organization called Save Our Sound claims there are significant wildlife and safety hazards like interference with the 400,000 flights that traverse that air space.

Cape Wind plans to address those concerns and suggests a radar upgrade could eliminate the hazard. This maneuver and stimulus billions available to support the project may get the wind farm’s propellers going after all.

For the latest on the Cape Wind controversy, visit some of the following links:

Cape Wind proposal clears big obstacle (Boston Globe)

A day at the beach remains unspoiled (Springfield Republican)

Cape Wind will proceed in face of political hot air (Worcester Telegram)

Cape Wind foes spent $2 million on lobbying (National Journal - Under the Influence)

Photo by rich_awn.
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15 comments // Cape Wind: Clean energy vs. conservation

  • WisconsinNorm
  • Greenpointer
  • WisconsinNorm
    • 0
      WisconsinNorm  
    • WisconsinNorm:

      I just went by an electrical generating plant powered by coal. Unbelievable plumes of "smoke" from six chimneys rising forever. To be honest with you, it did look like mostly water vapor, not the dark, rich smoke you used to see.

      Coal has done its job. Be glad we had it. It is time to move on. Kinda like divorce.

      Love is better the second time around.

    • 3 years ago
  • Get_Cape
    • 0
      Get_Cape  

    • I live on Cape Cod, and I have no problem with them doing this. Its the stupid rich people and tourists who don't want to look out their window and see little white things on the horizon. I say the people that are affected by the current economy decide whether or not we should have wind turbines to make our electricity.

    • 3 years ago
  • Greenpointer
  • Get_Cape
    • 0
      Get_Cape  
    • Get_Cape:

      Marstons Mills. I can't see the water from my house, but I don't care if I go to the beach and I see the turbines out there. Its better than seeing a giant cloud of smoke from the power plant, which would probably have to stay there anyway if they put up turbines, because i don't think they could power the whole Cape...

    • 3 years ago
  • darkhorsejim
    • 0
      darkhorsejim  

    • Rome wasn't built in a day. If it was, we'd have this wind farm built & operational by now. But the momentum is finally shifting as more people are supporting sustainable forms of energy through education & necessity. Hopefully, the minority opposition will be drowned out by the voices & actions of the majority who are looking forward to long-term solutions & not swayed by shortsighted individuals putting their own interests ahead of the energy needs facing everyone right now.

    • 3 years ago
  • jahbini
  • carmalite
  • csmonut
    • 0
      csmonut  

    • This project had many influential people against it. Not because of the environmental concerns, (they used that later in their arguements), but because it would destroy their view.
      Hmmm...large windmills, cleaner air....or, dirty air from more coal burners and an unsullied view you can't see?
      Which one would you pick?

    • 3 years ago
  • silpol
  • carmalite
  • davzap
    • 0
      davzap  

    • That is a lot of power to be made from the windmills, it rivals the output of traditionally fired turbines. Its really a great accomplishment. Should be lauded as politically correct environmentally conscious clean electrical power.

    • 3 years ago
  • Greenpointer
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