US's first offshore wind farm draws criticism

Not everyone is for the wind farm...

It ain't easy going green. Despite the Obama administration making a massive commitment to renewable energy by approving the US's first offshore wind farm, they are facing fierce criticism - surprisingly from the Kennedy family.

The wind farm, which was approved by Ken Salazar, US interior secretary, will be situated five miles of the Massachusetts coast and will be capable of producing enough electricity to power 400,000 houses. It has been seen as a massive step in America's journey to embrace renewable energy and cut their emissions.

The green-lighting of the project has also encouraged supporters that similar wind projects proposed for the East Coast and the Great Lakes will be approved. However, not everyone is a fan (pun not intended) of the turbines, that will stand more than 400 feet high and in-habitat an area of 24 square miles (about the size of Manhattan island) around the islands of Martha's Vineyard. The project is expected to cost $800 million and will be built by Cape Wind Associates, a private developer. It is expected to create 1000 construction jobs and produce the same amount of energy as a medium-sized coal-fired power plant.

Blowing up a storm

Many critics say the turbines will be a eyesore and damage the tourist industry in the area and around Nantucket. Arguments have been put forward about the turbines affecting property value, as well as possible damage to "birds, whales, fishing, aviation, and historic sites."

One of the main opponents to the project was the late, great Senator Ted Kennedy, who was a keen sailor and use to often sail in the Nantucket Sound. Despite his, and his son's, Robert Kennedy Jr, environmental causes they have both criticised the decision saying the project is a threat to regional tourism and fishing.

They are not the only one; The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, a federal agency in charge of safeguarding historic landmarks, recommended this month that the project be rejected. Several Native American tribes have also criticised the decision with the Aquinnah tribe and the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe saying the turbines would interfere with sunrise ceremonies and disturb ancient burial grounds in once-dry land beneath the Sound.

However Deval Patrick, the governor of Massachusetts was quick to back the project saying, "America needs offshore wind power and with this project Massachusetts will lead the nation."

US wind generation increased by 27 percent last year, accounting for two percent of total electricity supplies, according to the Energy Department.

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US hydro-power gets a boost | Obama green lights offshore drilling? | Integrating renewables into a smart grid

Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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