Politics directs an ill wind at energy issue

THE MOST recent development in the Cape Wind saga is a shameful reflection on our federal and state politicians, and sets a dangerous precedent that can endanger future efforts to build renewable energy projects in the United States (''Cape Wind is dealt a setback," Page A1, April 7). The proposed congressional amendment to stop Cape Wind would enable Governor Romney to stop the project at his discretion, without having to provide any reason for doing so.

Whatever one's position on Cape Wind, decisions about approving or rejecting power plants should be made on the basis of publicly debated policies that are applied fairly to all projects, not on the ability of a few well-heeled opponents with friends in Congress to pick and choose which ones they like. This is the Jack Abramoff approach to policy making.

New England is currently facing a severe power shortage because no private developers are willing to build plants. This back-room legislation is not going to help.

CARTER WALL
Medford