Article
Early reviews mixed for Buzzards Bay wind farm
Cape Cod Today|Kevin Dennehy & David Schoetz, Staff Writers|May 24, 2006
That proposal already has defined the Cape region as a battleground in the national debate over future energy sources.
That proposal already has defined the Cape region as a battleground in the national debate over future energy sources.
The Boston developer who wants to build a wind farm on Buzzards Bay understands what he's getting into.
Construction magnate Jay Cashman, who has a home in West Falmouth, has watched Cape Wind Associates' five-year struggle to win approval for a wind farm on nearby Nantucket Sound - and the ongoing congressional effort to kill it.
Construction magnate Jay Cashman, who has a home in West Falmouth, has watched Cape Wind Associates' five-year struggle to win approval for a wind farm on nearby Nantucket Sound - and the ongoing congressional effort to kill it.
Already a local organization has expressed concerns with the project, yesterday calling it a potential threat to navigation on the bay.
But with new sources of electricity needed, Cashman believes the region is warming to the idea of renewable energy, thanks in part to the high-profile Cape Wind controversy.
That proposal already has defined the Cape region as a battleground in the national debate over future …
... more
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The Boston developer who wants to build a wind farm on Buzzards Bay understands what he's getting into.
Construction magnate Jay Cashman, who has a home in West Falmouth, has watched Cape Wind Associates' five-year struggle to win approval for a wind farm on nearby Nantucket Sound - and the ongoing congressional effort to kill it.
Construction magnate Jay Cashman, who has a home in West Falmouth, has watched Cape Wind Associates' five-year struggle to win approval for a wind farm on nearby Nantucket Sound - and the ongoing congressional effort to kill it.
Already a local organization has expressed concerns with the project, yesterday calling it a potential threat to navigation on the bay.
But with new sources of electricity needed, Cashman believes the region is warming to the idea of renewable energy, thanks in part to the high-profile Cape Wind controversy.
That proposal already has defined the Cape region as a battleground in the national debate over future energy sources.
''Cape Wind was definitely the pioneer here,'' said Cashman, who on Monday unveiled plans to build 90 to 120 turbines on Buzzards Bay.
''(Cape Wind developer) Jim Gordon has put a magnifying glass on the whole issue. He's made renewable energy projects, especially wind, easier.''
Like Gordon, Cashman is looking to harness the strong winds off the Cape coastline, a particularly attractive area since the waters are shallow and the need for local power is surging.
For Cape Wind, the permitting process has been a grueling one, splitting public opinion on the Cape and Islands.
While many have called the proposal an opportunity to provide renewable energy on a large scale, others say Nantucket Sound is simply the wrong place.
Federal lawmakers will soon consider a provision tucked into an $8.7 billion Coast Guard bill that would allow the Bay State governor to veto the project.
Undoubtedly, Cashman will have his own lessons to learn and challenges to face.
Unlike Gordon, his proposal is for turbines to be built in state waters, an uncharted regulatory area where state lawmakers are just beginning to craft rules for offshore development.
Formal application Friday
He will file a formal application with the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs on Friday.
Many of those who follow the Cape Wind debate closely yesterday reserved comment on the new proposal, waiting for more details.
A spokesman for Gov. Mitt Romney, who opposes the Cape Wind project, called the Buzzards Bay proposal ''intriguing.''
U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, another Cape Wind critic, called Cashman's plan an opportunity to further examine the state's developing oceans management policy.
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Newton, the New Bedford region's congressman, said he supported the idea in principle.
''The aesthetics are not a problem for me,'' Frank said. ''There will be some navigation issues in Buzzards Bay. As I understand it, there is full agreement that this has to work out with the state.''
While Cashman has never built a wind farm, he has expressed interest in having his construction company Jay Cashman Inc. erect the Cape Wind project.
According to his current proposal, which would be built by Cashman subsidiary Patriot Renewables LLC, the turbines would be built three to four miles offshore in three clustered sites: off the coasts of Fairhaven, Dartmouth and Naushon Island, one of the Elizabeth Islands.
The proposal would provide about 300 megawatts of electricity at peak winds, compared with 420 megawatts forecast for the Cape Wind project.
U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, the Cape's congressman and a Cape Wind opponent, called Cashman a friend, as well as a ''successful entrepreneur and a person of substance.''
But more must be learned about Cashman's proposal, Delahunt said, and the project clearly reinforces the need for a comprehensive framework for offshore wind projects at both the state and federal levels.
State Sen. Robert O'Leary, D-Barnstable, a Cape Wind critic, agreed. O'Leary, who sponsored state legislation to create an oceans management policy, said there are already questions about whether Cashman's site is part of a protected ocean sanctuary.
''It certainly raises questions whether this would be allowed,'' he said.
Shipping traffic key issue
The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, a New Bedford-based environmental advocacy group that has endorsed Cape Wind, already has expressed major concerns with the proposal.
Building a wind farm on Buzzards Bay would likely be more difficult than even Nantucket Sound, predicted coalition president John Bullard, because of the shipping traffic that goes in and out of New Bedford.
''You're not talking about some ferry boats that are going from Hyannis to Nantucket,'' Bullard said.
The group's executive director, Mark Rasmussen, said in a statement that ''Jay Cashman isn't asking to build a wind farm in Buzzards Bay, he's asking for Buzzards Bay.''
Cashman said yesterday that navigation may be an issue and that the turbine sites may shift as the review proceeds.
Before unveiling his project to the public, Cashman said he met with local, state and federal officials to ask that they keep an open mind about his plan.
And, he added, he would respond to feedback from the local communities as much as possible.
''We don't have any adolescent ideas that everyone in the whole world is going to be on our side,'' he said. ''It's just not going to happen.''
Weighing In
U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, Cape Wind critic:
“I hope this proposal will start a thoughtful discussion in Massachusetts about which state waters are appropriate for alternative energy development."
U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., Cape Wind critic:
“I applaud (Jay Cashman‘s) statement that he will involve the community."
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., Cape Wind critic:
“I‘m in favor of it, in principle. The aesthetics are not a problem for me."
State Rep. Matthew Patrick, D-Falmouth, Cape Wind supporter:
“There‘s clearly going to be a demand for electricity in the future. ... If it can survive on its merits, then fine. Put it in."
Mark Rodgers, Cape Wind spokesman:
“This region needs a lot of renewable energy. And we wish Mr. Cashman well."
Kevin Dennehy can be reached at kdennehy@capecodonline.com. David Schoetz can be reached at dschoetz@capecodonline.com.