North American Windpower: Cape Wind Clears Another Hurdle

by NAW Staff on Tuesday 19 December 2006

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has issued a ruling that affirmed the May 2005 decision of the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (MEFSB) approving the construction and operation of undersea transmission lines to serve the proposed Cape Wind offshore wind farm.

An organization that formed to oppose Cape Wind appealed the MEFSB decision to the court. However, the court issued a unanimous decision in favor of Cape Wind, acknowledging that the transmission lines were needed to serve the 130-turbine wind farm.

"This decision moves Massachusetts closer to becoming a global leader in offshore wind power," says Jim Gordon, Cape Wind's president.

The project, which would be located on Horseshoe Shoal in Nantucket Sound, still requires the approval of federal agencies. According to representatives of Cape Wind, it would provide three-quarters of the electricity used on Cape Cod and create new jobs and lower electricity costs.

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