Thursday, 4:30 PM
Cape Cod Commission denies wind farm permit
By Stephanie Ebbert, Globe Staff
Proponents of a wind farm in Nantucket Sound were dealt a setback today when the Cape Cod Commission denied them a permit.
The regional land use agency denied the permit on procedural grounds, saying the developer had failed to provide enough information or enough time for the commission to make a ruling.
The proposal was denied without prejudice, which means proponents are free to bring it back before the board.
The vote at a Barnstable meeting was unanimous.
Though the wind farm itself is planned in federal water -- outside the reach of most state and local agencies -- the electric cables delivering power from the turbines would run under the ocean and make landfall in Barnstable County.
Cape Wind president Jim Gordon said the fight was "absolutely not" over. "It's a disappointing decision that delays important renewable energy benefits for Massachusetts citizens," he said.
"We have been diligently working on this project for over six years and we're committed to moving the project forward and ensuring that Massachusetts becomes a global leader in offshore renewable energy."
Supporters say the Cape Wind project would be a marvel, reaping clean energy out of the winds that whip across the ocean off the Massachusetts coast.
But opponents say the wind farm, which would place about 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound, would reduce tourism, harm wildlife and pose a boating hazard.
Cape Wind also has another option: it could appeal to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board, which has already granted a permit for the cables and has the power to override local decisions on energy projects.
