North American Windpower:

by NAW Staff on Wednesday 17 June 2009

The Cape Cod Commission (CCC), a regional land-use planning and regulatory agency, has begun the process of appealing a decision by the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) to grant a Certificate of Environmental Impact and Public Interest for the construction of electric transmission lines by Cape Wind Associates. CCC contends that the decision attempts to override local and regional permitting processes.

Cape Wind Associates has proposed to build an offshore wind farm on Horseshoe Shoal.

According to the CCC, the EFSB has attempted to expand its jurisdiction to the point where a "good faith" effort at complying with local permitting is evidenced by simply filing an application. Allowing this process to stand would allow any type of future utility project to avoid local review in evaluating and mitigating local impacts, providing an outcome that favors certainty over fairness, CCC notes.

However, Mark Rodgers, director of communications for Cape Wind, says that the Massachusetts Legislature has given clear authority to EFSB to have the final word on permitting issues on electric transmission lines in Massachusetts, and does not believe the certificate will be rescinded.

"The Cape Cod Commission was provided more information and more time than any agency in Massachusetts has ever had in consideration of electric transmission lines, the portion of the project in their jurisdiction," says Rodgers.

SOURCES: Cape Cod Commission, Cape Wind Associates

Don't miss the latest wind energy news -- register to receive NAW's news headlines.

Latest Top Stories

As U.S. DOJ Investigates, Duke Works Adaptive Management Plan

With previous golden eagle fatalities reported at two company-owned wind farms in Wyoming, Duke Energy Renewables is going to great lengths to protect raptors.

DOE To Recast Landmark 20% Wind Energy Report; Study Looks Back, Ahead

The U.S. Department of Energy will update its 20% Wind Energy By 2030 report, which indicated increased levels of wind penetration for the U.S. is not only possible but feasible.

Wind Energy Procurement Top Of Mind For Big-Name Companies

With greater frequency, top-tier companies are discovering the economic and environmental power of wind energy and upping their investments in the resource.

WINDPOWER Panelists Issue A Call To Arms: Protect RPS Mandates

Votes on several legislative bills concerning state renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are nearing. How can you help protect and maintain these development drivers?

Wind Industry Still Awaits First Eagle-Take Permit Under BGEPA

The first wind developer to apply for a take permit under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act has withdrawn its application.