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Gov. Patrick hails Cape Wind permit approvals

E-mail|Link|Comments () May 28, 2009 04:56 PM

By Globe Staff

Governor Deval Patrick today hailed a state board's approval of permits for the controversial Cape Wind project.

"The time has come to see the first offshore wind farm in America rise off the Massachusetts coast, a powerful symbol of our commitment to a clean energy future," Patrick said in a statement.

The project has sparked debate because it calls for erecting a wind farm with 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound.

Patrick said in a statement that the state had "done its job" of reviewing the project and the federal permitting process was winding down.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said the project was "ready to move forward. Soon, the Commonwealth will cement its position as the natural hub for the American offshore wind industry."

The Energy Facilities Siting Board voted last week to grant a Certificate of Environmental Impact and Public Interest to the project. Undersecretary for Energy Ann Berwick, who is Bowles's designee on the board, signed the ceritificate today. The signing ends more than seven years of environmental review.

Glenn Wattley, president and chief executive of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, said the announcement was "premature."

He said the Alliance would appeal the board's decision. He also said, "There's still quite a bit of work that has to be done" before the project receives its federal permits.

While proponents say the project will provide up to 420 megawatts of clean energy from ocean winds, the Alliance says it opposes the project due to potential negative economic, environmental and public safety impacts.