Bostonist has followed the Cape Wind story intently ever since reading Wendy Williams and Robert Whitcomb's book on the subject. The Cape Wind plan, which would install turbines in Nantucket Sound, would make an excellent source of alternative energy. But residents--particularly wealthy residents who don't want their views blocked by turbines*--have gone to unbelievable lengths to block the project at every angle.
The Cape Wind opponents scored another point in the battle on Thursday. The Cape Cod Commission evaluating the project has voted down the plan. The Commission says that Cape Wind didn't provide enough information. Cape Wind says that's not true. The Globe reported that the scene at the hearing got tense, and Cape Wind supporters staged a walkout.
More after the jump! Image from Amazon. For the record, this Bostonist is pro-Cape Wind, and all opinions expressed in this post belong to only this Bostonist.
Charley on the MTA makes a good point over at Blue Mass Group: "If need be, Governor Patrick ought to find a way to start twisting some arms on this. He's staked a good part of his vision and reputation on this thing happening, and it's too important to let it get nickeled-and-dimed to death."
It would take a big personality like Deval Patrick to push it through. However, while he's distracted by casinos, it might take a lot of pro-Cape Wind shouting to get his attention. Meanwhile, Cape Wind can appeal the commission's decision by going to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board. In her blog, Cape Wind author Wendy Williams notes that the EFSB is the "important board to watch," not the Commission.
*Former gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos has another reason for opposing. He feels that Cape Wind would be a major drain on taxpayers. For his side, read his interview with Bostonist.
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the important thing to remember here is: each time project opponents do something like this -- it costs you, me and everyone in New England money. we all use the same electric grid, and their stalling is reducing competition on that grid, and is thus raising our electricity prices.
remember: wind energy drives down the price of fossil fuel.