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The Coalition for Buzzards Bay Announces Satisfaction With Cape Wind Review
February 25, 2005 CONTACT: Ben Bryant, Marine Policy Specialist The Coalition for Buzzards Bay (508) 999-6363, ext. 214
NEW BEDFORD, MA—Today, The Coalition for Buzzards Bay announced its satisfaction with the current review for the Cape Wind Energy, LLC proposal to build a wind power facility in Nantucket Sound. The Coalition’s support for the Cape Wind Project is based on a thorough review of the Army Corp of Engineers’ Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), leading to the conclusion that there are significant environmental benefits to be gained for the Bay and the region. Additionally, any environmental impacts are likely to be minor, temporary, and/or outweighed by the significant environmental benefits of developing such a renewable energy facility. In support of the Project, Ben Bryant, Marine Policy Specialist for the Coalition, said “This project presents us with an opportunity to significantly reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuel burning plants. In reviewing the DEIS, we have not found reason to oppose the project and in fact believe the Project will have significant environmental benefits for our Bay and our region.” In addition to providing comments to the Army Corp of Engineers, the Coalition has updated its wind power policy statement to include a qualified endorsement of the Cape Wind Project and to recognize the potential for a future project sited in Buzzards Bay. The updated policy states that although no proposal is currently pending, the review of the Cape Wind DEIR would lead the Coalition to endorse a wind project in Buzzards Bay if it was tailored to the unique environment and characteristics of Buzzards Bay and appropriately mitigated the environmental and aesthetic impacts. The Coalition’s continued support for the project will be based on a satisfactory review of the Final Environmental Impact Statement, due out this summer, and a successful implementation of mitigation and monitoring plans to minimize any potential environmental impacts.
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