MASS. LAWMAKERS TO EASE WAY FOR OFFSHORE WIND

Massachusetts’ offshore wind is an energy asset begging to be developed. A privileged minority has so far denied it to the state. Farsighted Massachusetts legislators will try this year to pass the first set of guidelines for offshore energy development.

Priscilla Brooks, Conservation Law Foundation: "This is the first time in the nation any state has contemplated a comprehensive plan to manage development of the oceans…"

Massachusetts legislators don’t want another Cape Wind debacle, in which an offshore wind energy project was put through permitting and environmental rigors for 7 years. Rep. Frank Smizik (D), Brookline/Chairman, House Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture: "Our view is the [ocean management plan] is a blueprint, not a zoning law. We need wind farms."

The coming rush of wave energy developers should send a Thank You note to the offshore wind builders.

Massachusetts lawmakers are aware of the controversial nature of what they are doing.

Look at that wind energy resource off the state's coast! (click to enlarge)

Provision could allow building of wind farm; Bill would guide energy projects in state waters
Beth Daley, February 15, 2008 (Boston Globe)

WHO
Offshore wind farm developer Jay Cashman; Massachusetts House of Representatives Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi; Rep. John F. Quinn (D), Dartmouth;

WHAT
The Oceans Management Act, an effort to amend provisions of the Oceans Sanctuaries Act by exempting New Energy installations from obtaining legislative agreement the projects meet "public necessity and convenience" standards.

WHEN
- The Massachusetts Senate last year passed a similar set of guidelines but the House prevented it from becoming law. Most environmentalists applauded that measure.
- This year’s Massachusetts Senate bill sets a 24-month deadline for drafting the guidelines. The House version has no time requirement.

The Cape Wind offshore project was put through 7 years of permitting and regulatory hoops because a few wealthy residents considered the tiny evidence of the installation on the horizon (as shown in this photoshopped demonstration piece) an intrusion. (click to enlarge)

WHERE
- Cashman’s 120 turbine project would be in Buzzards Bay. It was denied in 2006 due to a bird species endangerment.
- Perhaps the most controversial offshore wind project in the world is Cape Wind, planned for Nantucket Sound off Cape Cod. It’s builder has been jumping through permitting hoops for 7 years.

Fortunately, many Massachusetts lawmakers realize it is not a harmful abridgement of the "sanctuaries" areas to make provisions for offshore wind and wave energy development. (click to enlarge)

WHY
- Massachusetts’ Oceans Sanctuaries Act was written to protect the state’s coastline from economic development. Though New energy development certainly has an economic dimension, the energy generated would not only the population of the entire state but of New England in general.
- Cape Wind recently won a huge victory when the U.S. Interior Department declared it to be environmentally safe.
- Whether the issue of the issue of the 24-month deadline for guideline drafting leads to a political stalemate remains to be seen.

QUOTES
Rep. Quinn: "There is only one project on the table that this affects right now… This is a dramatic change - let's not slip it in."