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Cape Wind public comments top 40,000

Print | Comments () Posted by Beth Daley April 23, 2008 04:01 PM

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By Beth Daley
GLOBE STAFF
The federal agency deciding the fate of the 130 wind turbine project off Cape Cod has received more than 40,000 comments about it from the public, a spokesman for the Minerals Management Service said yesterday.

Compared to other projects the agency has dealt with "that is a pretty extreme amount,'' said Gary Strasburg, a spokesman for the federal agency.

The wind farm is one of the most controversial energy projects ever proposed in New England. First announced in 2001, the developer, Cape Wind, has come under years of attack by opponents who say the company is trying to privatize the public Nantucket Sound where the project is proposed.

Supporters of the project, however, say renewable energy is needed to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. They accuse opponents of not wanting anything to wreck their water view.

The Minerals Management Service will analyze comments during the summer and issue a final decision in the fall. After another comment period, they will issue a final rule on the project either late this year or early next year.

tags Cape wind, Minerals Management Service, Nantucket Sound, public comment, wind farm