"When it comes to the fate of the complex and long-planned Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound, the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) agrees that after nearly a decade of multiple reviews and seemingly endless legal challenges, it is indeed time for a final permitting decision on the project.
"Like the Obama Administration and the majority of the American public, NOIA strongly supports the development of offshore renewable energy sources. Renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf would add to the overall diversity of the nation’s energy sources and could help generate new jobs in a developing sector.
"We are hopeful that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s final decision will be agreeable to all concerned parties and will allow the project to move forward without any further delay.
"As the first offshore wind farm proposed in federal waters, the ultimate fate of Cape Wind, will set an example for all such projects to come. This is not simply one decision concerning one project. It could be an indication of the permitting environment the entire renewable energy sector could face as it tries to expand. We hope the Secretary will use this decision to set an example that is a positive one."
NOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore wind energy industry with an interest in the exploration and production of both traditional and renewable energy resources on the nation’s outer continental shelf.
The NOIA membership comprises more than 300 companies engaged in business activities ranging from producing to drilling, engineering to marine and air transport, offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance.
Secretary Salazar Initiates Final Review of Cape Wind Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today issued the following statement in response to the determination by the National Park Service’s Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places that Nantucket Sound is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The finding of eligibility ensures that significant archeological, historic, and cultural values are considered in the review of the permit for the proposed Cape Wind project by the Minerals Management Service (MMS).
“America’s vast offshore wind resources offer exciting potential for our clean energy economy and for our nation’s efforts to reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Secretary Salazar. “But as we begin to develop these resources, we must ensure that we are doing so in the right way and in the right places. “The Keeper’s finding that Nantucket Sound is eligible for listing in the National Register provides information that will help us to undertake final consultations and analysis of potential impacts of wind development on historic and cultural resources in Nantucket Sound.
“After several years of review, it is now time to move the Cape Wind proposal to a final decision point. That is why I am gathering the principal parties together next week to review the findings of the Keeper and to discuss how we might find a common-sense agreement on actions that could be taken to minimize and mitigate Cape Wind’s potential impacts on historic and cultural resources. I am hopeful that an agreement among the parties can be reached by March 1. If an agreement among the parties can’t be reached, I will be prepared to take the steps necessary to bring the permit process to conclusion. The public, the parties, and the permit applicants deserve certainty and resolution.”
www.noia.org/website/article.asp
