Massachusetts approves offshore wind farm

May 22, 2009
A Massachusetts state agency granted the state and local permits needed for Cape Wind Associates LLC to construct a wind farm off Massachusetts in Nantucket Sound.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 22 -- A Massachusetts state agency granted the state and local permits needed for Cape Wind Associates LLC to construct a wind farm off Massachusetts in Nantucket Sound.

The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board on May 21 voted 7-0 to grant Cape Wind a certificate of environmental impact and public interest that combines all state and local permits.

Cape Wind Pres. Jim Gordon of Boston said the vote ends a 7-year state regulatory review of the project, which still needs federal authorization to proceed. The $1 billion project involves 130 wind turbines over 24 sq miles within sight of Cape Cod residences.

The project awaits final approval by US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. The Interior Department has issued guidelines for leasing offshore areas for renewable energy production, opening the door for wind farms.

The US Minerals Management Service issued Cape Wind a favorable final environmental impact statement in January.