CLF Hails Latest Development in Cape Wind Case

CONTACT: Shanna Cleveland, 617.850.1716
Caitlin Inglehart 617.850.1755

BOSTON, MA (MARCH 13, 2009) Last night, the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board signaled that it will move to put an end to the state and local permitting delays that have chronically stalled progress for Cape Wind. The Board’s decision came after hearing testimony from the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), and other proponents of the 130-turbine offshore wind project.

Bill Coleman, Interim President of CLF noted this turn of events as a huge step forward for the region for its potential to provide clean, renewable power. “Massachusetts has a wealth of offshore wind energy resources, and harvesting them is vital to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. If we are going win the battle against climate change, we need to move forward with determination on projects like Cape Wind .”

After eight years of rigorous environmental review and a refusal by the Cape Cod Commission to acknowledge its lack of jurisdiction over the wind turbines located in federal waters, Cape Wind filed an application with the Energy Facilities Siting Board seeking relief. The Cape Cod Commission’s denial of a permit to the Cape Wind project brought the permitting process to a halt even though every other state agency has approved the project. The Board instructed its staff to draft a tentative decision finding that the Board had jurisdiction over the Cape Cod Commission, that the Board’s jurisdiction was limited to the transmission lines within state boundaries, and that a composite permit encompassing all state and local approvals necessary for the project should be issued.

Now the Siting Board’s Staff will prepare a tentative decision on the permit. After the parties have had an opportunity to comment on that decision, the Board will issue a final decision that will be subject to direct appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court .

CLF, a long-time advocate for Cape Wind , has called for building 2000 megawatts of wind power in New England over the next five years as part of its Climate Call to Action. The Cape Wind project alone could generate up to 454 megawatts.

Click here to learn more about CLF’s Climate Call to Action and the steps our region must take to avert the climate crisis.

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The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England . CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovate strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region. Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Rhode Island and Vermont .