Offshore wind comment period extended for 3k sq. miles of waters off MA are proposed for siting wind turbines covers

[LuckyLady]

Offshore wind comment period extended


By: DON CUDDY
doncuddy@s-t.com
February 25, 2011 12:00 AM


The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement announced Thursday that it had agreed to grant a 30-day extension to the public comment period on its "request for interest" in offshore wind energy development.

The area proposed for siting wind turbines covers 3,000 square miles of federal waters off Massachusetts and encompasses traditional fishing grounds such as Georges Bank and the Nantucket Lightship area.

At a meeting in New Bedford on Feb. 16, concerns were raised that the public comment period was scheduled to end just 12 days later.

A letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, signed by U.S. Sens. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., Scott Brown, R-Mass., and U.S. Reps. Barney Frank and John Tierney, both D-Mass., requested the extension after it became clear that some stakeholders present were learning of the proposal for the first time.

Fishermen, in particular, felt that the industry had not been adequately consulted before the request for interest was sent out. A request for interest is the first step in identifying "priority wind energy Areas for potential development," according to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement.

[amarshall]

This is over. Nstar bought half of its power from Maine turbines for $.10 a kwh. When all is said and done Cape wind will be $.24 a kwh.

No one will buy the power.

[Dogfish87]

wish we could line em up everywhere the midwaters wanna tow...