Right Lane Cruiser
07-28-2009, 07:03 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg The Obama administration sees investment in alternative energy sources like wind and solar as a cornerstone of its economic and energy policies. (http://www.reuters.com/article/ELECTU/idUSN2339747120090728)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Off-shore_wind_turbines_in_Denmark.jpgScott Malone - REUTERS (http://www.reuters.com) - July 28, 2009
Will the public embrace this idea or continue to strike it down because of an "ugly appearance?" --Ed.
HYANNIS, Mass., - The Cape Cod resort area, famous for sandy beaches and centuries-old fishing villages, could in the next few years claim a new title of home to the United States' first offshore wind farm.
The United States has experienced a surge in investment in wind power over the past four years, more than tripling its ability to turn wind into electricity. But construction has been entirely on land and largely in America's rural midsection -- leaving open the costly challenge of how to transmit power to the densely populated coasts where it is most needed.
That could be changing. Developers have proposed wind farms off Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware and New Jersey to meet the electricity needs of the East Coast.
"They're building these wind farms in the Midwest fast, which is great. The problem is there's no people," said Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri. "Where is the energy needed? The energy is needed here on the East Coast."
The Cape Wind project in 2001 became the country's first major proposed offshore wind farm. Its developers aim to construct 130 towers, which will tower 440 feet (134 metres) above the surface of the Nantucket Sound.
To supporters, Cape Wind represents Massachusetts' chance to be a leader in clean energy. It would generate 420 megawatts of power, enough for 336,000 typical American homes.
Opponents, including Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy, who has a home on the Cape, say the... http://www.reuters.com/article/ELECTU/idUSN2339747120090728
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Off-shore_wind_turbines_in_Denmark.jpgScott Malone - REUTERS (http://www.reuters.com) - July 28, 2009
Will the public embrace this idea or continue to strike it down because of an "ugly appearance?" --Ed.
HYANNIS, Mass., - The Cape Cod resort area, famous for sandy beaches and centuries-old fishing villages, could in the next few years claim a new title of home to the United States' first offshore wind farm.
The United States has experienced a surge in investment in wind power over the past four years, more than tripling its ability to turn wind into electricity. But construction has been entirely on land and largely in America's rural midsection -- leaving open the costly challenge of how to transmit power to the densely populated coasts where it is most needed.
That could be changing. Developers have proposed wind farms off Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware and New Jersey to meet the electricity needs of the East Coast.
"They're building these wind farms in the Midwest fast, which is great. The problem is there's no people," said Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri. "Where is the energy needed? The energy is needed here on the East Coast."
The Cape Wind project in 2001 became the country's first major proposed offshore wind farm. Its developers aim to construct 130 towers, which will tower 440 feet (134 metres) above the surface of the Nantucket Sound.
To supporters, Cape Wind represents Massachusetts' chance to be a leader in clean energy. It would generate 420 megawatts of power, enough for 336,000 typical American homes.
Opponents, including Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy, who has a home on the Cape, say the... http://www.reuters.com/article/ELECTU/idUSN2339747120090728