Boston Globe
Sunday, August 10, 2003

Kennedy opposes wind farm

Senator argues offshore proposal needs more review
Stephanie Ebbert

U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy said clearly for the first time yesterday
that he opposes a plan to build the nation's first offshore wind farm in
Nantucket Sound, arguing the project has not received sufficient state or
federal review.

"So far, in spite of all the loud rhetoric on the issue, Cape Wind hasn't
met that test, and I doubt they ever will," the Massachusetts Democrat said
in a statement.  "Until they do, the project should not go forward.  Far
more is at stake in the decision than our backyards, and I make no apology
for opposing this project now."

Kennedy has previously hedged his position on the Cape Wind Associate
proposal to build 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound, about 6 miles off
the coast from the Kennedy compound in Hyannisport.  A proponent of
renewable energy, he has voiced specific concerns about the Cape Wind
project, but seemed reluctant to openly oppose it.  Last week, he distanced
himself from the quiet efforts by his staff to introduce legislative
language that might have blocked the project.

"He has basically said that the future of wind energy hands in the balance
of what we do next," said Ernie Corrigan, a spokesman for the Alliance to
Protect Nantucket Sound, a group that argues the project would blight a
pristine public resource and unfairly surrender the ocean to a for-profit
business.

Undeterred, Cape Wind president Jim Gordon said he believes Kennedy will see
the benefits of the project when an Army Corps of Engineers review of the
project is complete.

"I believe that when he sees the results of this comprehensive environmental
review, he will see the compelling public interest benefits: lower electric
costs, a cleaner, healthy environment and energy independence and minimal
environmental impact," Gordon said.

Without promising to take any specific actions himself, Kennedy said the
government should develop a zoning policy regulating offshore wind projects,
but he noted that may be difficult, "given the current antiregulatory
attitude in Washington."

Despite likely criticism that his position may be viewed as a
"not-in-my-backyard" agenda, Kennedy pointed to his family's own long
history on the cape.

"We have an obligation to preserve it for future generations, which requires
us to know the impact of our decision on the landscape, seascape, and
environment," he said.