Cape Wind

{{update|Canal Generating Plant|date=December 2015}}

The proposed project was to cover {{convert|24|sqmi|km2}} and be located {{convert|4.8|mi}} from Mashpee, Massachusetts, on the south coast of Cape Cod, and {{convert|15.8|mi}} from the island town of Nantucket.

Cape Wind's developer, Energy Management Inc. (EMI), was a New England–based energy company with 35 years' experience in energy conservation and development. ESS Group, Inc. of Waltham, Massachusetts, was the environmental science specialist for the project. Cape Wind was also being assisted by Woods Hole Group, K2 Management, SgurrEnergy, AWS Truepower, and PMSS. Barclays was Cape Wind's Financial Advisor. The project envisioned 130 horizontal-axis wind turbines, each with a hub height of {{convert|285|ft|m}}. The blade diameter was {{convert|364|ft}}, with the lowest blade tip height at {{convert|75|ft}} and the top blade tip height at {{convert|440|ft}}.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060923190325/http://www.capewind.org/FAQ-Category4-Cape%2BWind%2BBasics-Parent0-myfaq-yes.htm Cape Wind :: America's First Offshore Wind Farm on Nantucket Sound]}} The turbines were to be sited between four and 11 miles offshore depending on the shoreline. At peak generation, the turbines were anticipated to generate 454 megawatts (MW) of electricity.{{cite web

| url=http://www.capewind.org/faqs/cape-wind-basics

| title=Cape Wind Basics

| accessdate=2015-12-30

| publisher=Cape Wind Associates

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110040508/http://www.capewind.org/faqs/cape-wind-basics

| archive-date=2015-11-10

| url-status=usurped

}}

The project was expected to produce an average of 170 MW of electricity, about 75% of the average electricity demand for Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket island combined.

{{cite web

| title= Cape & Islands Electric Supply: Cape Wind Project Impact

| date= October 31, 2002

| last= Salamone

| first= Charlie

| url= http://www.masstech.org/offshore/Meeting2/presentationsalamone1031.pdf

| url-status= dead

| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060923071101/http://www.masstech.org/offshore/Meeting2/presentationsalamone1031.pdf

| archive-date= September 23, 2006

}}

Had it been built, it might have offset nearly a million tons of carbon dioxide a year and produced enough electricity to offset consumption of {{convert|113|e6USgal|m3}} of oil annually.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160507135624/http://www.capewind.org/ Cape Wind website]}}. Retrieved on 2009-05-12.{{Cite web |title=Offsetting carbon emissions, one ton at a time |url=https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/offsetting-carbon-emissions-one-ton-time |access-date=2022-06-18 |website=Penn Today |date=20 July 2020 |language=en}}

At the time the project was envisioned, 45% of the Cape region's electricity came from the nearby Canal Generating Plant in Sandwich, a bunker oil and natural gas run facility.

{{cite web

|url=http://www.mirant.com/our_business/where_we_work/canal.htm

|title=Canal Generating Plant

|publisher=Mirant Corporation

|accessdate=2009-05-12

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401111025/http://www.mirant.com/our_business/where_we_work/canal.htm

|archive-date=2010-04-01

}}{{cite news | url= http://www.capecodonline.com/special/windfarm/reportwind4.htm | title= Report: Wind farm could ease gas demand | last= Leaning | first= John | date= July 4, 2004 | work= Cape Cod Times | accessdate= 2009-05-12 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060331190027/http://www.capecodonline.com/special/windfarm/reportwind4.htm | archive-date= 2006-03-31 | url-status= dead }} The Cape Wind proposal was distinct in that it was envisioned to directly offset petroleum combustion, unlike most of the United States where electrical power generation from oil is rare and power from coal, natural gas and nuclear is more common.

Additionally, this project would have reduced the amount of oil shipped to the Canal Generating Plant; fuel for this plant had been part of two major oil spills, the first on 15 December 1976, when the tanker Argo Merchant ran aground southeast of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts spilling {{convert|7.7|e6USgal|m3}} of oil.{{cite web

| url= http://www.endgame.org/oilspills.htm

| title= Major Oil Spills

| last= Draffan

| first= George

| publisher= Endgame Research

| accessdate= 2009-05-12

| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120409191017/http://www.endgame.org/oilspills.htm

| archive-date= 2012-04-09

| url-status= dead

}} The second spill occurred in April 2003, when a Bouchard Company barge carrying oil for the Mirant Canal Generating Plant ran aground, spilling {{convert|98000|USgal|L}} of oil, which killed 450 birds and shut down 100,000 acres (400 km²) of shell fishing beds.{{cite news

|url = http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/03-06/03-15-06/02topstories.

|title = Bouchard under fire for 'outrageous' actions

|last = LaPlante

|first = Joseph R.

|work = The Standard-Times

|accessdate = 2009-05-12

}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

File:Massachusetts wind resource map 50m 800.jpg to the north and the islands of Nantucket, to the south, and Martha's Vineyard, to the west.]]

Because the proposed turbines were to be over {{convert|3|nmi}} from shore, they would have been subject to federal jurisdiction. However, near-shore infrastructure including roads and power cables made the project subject to state and local jurisdiction as well. All necessary state and local pre-construction approvals were obtained by 2009. Major federal approvals were obtained 17 May 2010, with lease details and construction and operation permits to be granted as the project proceeded.

At the state and local level, according to the Boston Globe, Cape Wind needed approval from the Cape Cod Commission; "a Chapter 91 license from the Department of Environmental Protection; a water quality certification from the state DEP; access permits from the Massachusetts Highway Department for work along state highways; a license from the Executive Office of Transportation for a railway crossing; orders of conditions from the Yarmouth and Barnstable Conservation Commissions; and road opening permits from Yarmouth and Barnstable."{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2007/11/cape_wind_appea.html |work=The Boston Globe |title=Cape Wind appeals ruling that blocked wind farm in Nantucket Sound |date=November 21, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209060246/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2007/11/cape_wind_appea.html |archive-date=February 9, 2009 }}

On 11 May 2005, the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (MEFSB) approved the application to build the wind farm. Opponents appealed the decision and on 18 December 2006 the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld the decision.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120225001150/http://www.capewind.org/news746.htm Favorable Cape Wind Decision Upheld By Supreme Judicial Court]}} (media release), CapeWind.org website, December 18, 2006.

[https://archive.today/20130124213827/http://govpro.com/issue_20060101/gov_imp_43680/ Nation's First Off-Shore Wind Farm Wins Court Battle], AmericanCityandCounty.com website, December 19, 2006.

In March 2007, the project received approval from Ian Bowles, the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, as required by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA).

{{cite news

| url= https://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/03/31/cape_wind_moves_on_to_federal_review/

| title= Cape Wind moves on to federal review

| last= Ebbert | first= Stephanie | date= March 31, 2007 | work= The Boston Globe

| accessdate= 2009-05-12 }}

In October 2007, the Cape Cod Commission declined to approve Cape Wind without further study of the impact by the developers.{{cite news| url=https://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/10/19/cape_cod_panel_denies_permit_for_wind_farm/ | work=The Boston Globe | title=Cape Cod panel denies permit for wind farm | date=October 19, 2007 | first1=Stephanie | last1=Ebbert}}

On 20 June 2008, the Barnstable Superior Court dismissed four of five counts against the MEPA certificate that had been filed by opposition groups and the Town of Barnstable. The fifth count was not considered ripe for a ruling since the matter was still pending before a state agency."Barnstable judge validates Cape Wind's MEPA Certificate", Nantucket Independent, 25 June 2008.

On 22 May 2009, the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board[http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeasubtopic&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Energy%2C+Utilities+%26+Clean+Technologies&L2=Energy+Facilities+Siting+Board&sid=Eoeea Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626054446/http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeasubtopic&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Energy%2C+Utilities+&+Clean+Technologies&L2=Energy+Facilities+Siting+Board&sid=Eoeea |date=June 26, 2010 }}{{cite web |url= http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/164-69h.htm |title=General Laws: CHAPTER 164, Section 69H |publisher=Mass.gov |accessdate=2012-03-24}} issued a "Super Permit" to Cape Wind, overriding the Cape Cod Commission and obviating the need for further state and local approvals.[http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090522/NEWS/90522009 Key Wind Farm Permits Approved] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306033806/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20090522%2FNEWS%2F90522009 |date=March 6, 2012 }} retrieved 4 June 2009

On 31 August 2010, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled 4–2 that the state had the power to overrule community opposition and granted the Cape Wind project a suite of local permits it needed to start construction.{{cite news| url=https://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/08/hold_for_sjc_an.html?p1=News_links | work=The Boston Globe | first=Beth | last=Daley | title=SJC gives Cape Wind go-ahead to start construction | date=August 31, 2010}}

On 28 December 2011, a ruling by "the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court gave its blessing to a novel power purchase agreement between Cape Wind and National Grid," as reported by the Boston Globe, and in so doing "the high court unanimously rejected criticisms by wind farm opponents of the state reviews of the agreement, under which National Grid would buy 50% of the wind farm's power."{{cite news|url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-12-29/metro/30564121_1_controversial-offshore-wind-cape-wind-national-grid|title=Cape Wind buoyed as SJC allows utility deal|date=December 29, 2011|first1=Carolyn Y.|last1=Johnson|first2=John R.|last2=Ellement|work=The Boston Globe|access-date=2012-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619044718/http://articles.boston.com/2011-12-29/metro/30564121_1_controversial-offshore-wind-cape-wind-national-grid|archive-date=2012-06-19|url-status=dead}}

At the federal level, Cape Wind originally applied for a permit in 2001 under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Army Corps eventually presented a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In a public comment period, many federal agencies, local governments, and community groups found that the draft EIS had deficiencies. Due to passage of the 2005 Energy Bill, the regulatory authority for off-shore energy projects had been transferred from the Army Corps to the Minerals Management Service (MMS) within the Department of the Interior. Whereas Cape Wind had expected to obtain approval quickly from the Army Corps, this transfer of authority to the MMS delayed the project.

The MMS issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in January 2008, and a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) in January 2009.[http://www.mms.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/CapeWind.htm MMS Cape Wind page] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715084001/http://www.mms.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/CapeWind.htm |date=July 15, 2010 }} [http://www.boemre.gov/offshore/alternativeenergy/PDFs/FEIS/Cape%20Wind%20Energy%20Project%20FEIS.pdf report] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823073635/http://www.boemre.gov/offshore/alternativeenergy/PDFs/FEIS/Cape%20Wind%20Energy%20Project%20FEIS.pdf |date=August 23, 2011 }}, Minerals Management Service, January 2009.

On 4 January 2010, US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar called a meeting of principal parties to resolve remaining issues after the National Park Service ruled that Nantucket Sound was eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its cultural and spiritual significance to two Native American tribes. "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 consider 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."[http://interior.gov/news/09_News_Releases/010410.html Secretary Salazar Initiates Final Review of Cape Wind Proposal] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527161844/http://interior.gov/news/09_News_Releases/010410.html |date=May 27, 2010 }}

On 22 March 2010, a hearing was held before the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Proponents and opponents of the plan delivered testimony during the hearing. The council was to deliver their recommendations to Interior Secretary Salazar no later than 14 April 2010.{{cite news |url=http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100427/NEWS11/100429794 |title=Fate of Cape Wind Decided |date=April 27, 2010 |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=28 April 2010 |location=Washington D.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617050920/http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20100427%2FNEWS11%2F100429794 |archive-date=2011-06-17 |url-status=dead }}

On 28 April 2010, at a news conference in the Massachusetts Statehouse alongside governor Deval Patrick, a supporter of the project, Secretary Salazar announced "I am approving the Cape Wind project." The Preferred Alternative of Horseshoe Shoal was selected by the Record of Decision.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/us/29wind.html | work=The New York Times | title=Regulators Approve First Offshore Wind Farm in U.S | first=Katharine Q. | last=Seelye | date=April 28, 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8649925.stm|title=BBC News – US government approves first offshore wind farm|date=2010-04-28}}

The Federal Aviation Administration cleared the construction of the wind farm on 17 May 2010 after raising concerns that the wind turbine structures could interfere with radar system at nearby Otis Air Force Base. Cape Wind agreed to fix the base's system to ensure that it would not be affected by the wind farm.

{{cite news

| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/us/18brfs-FAACLEARSWIN_BRF.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

| work=The New York Times

| title=Massachusetts: F.A.A. Clears Wind Farm

| first=Katharine Q. | last=Seelye

| date=May 17, 2010}}

On 28 October 2011, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rejected the FAA's ruling. The court ordered the 'no hazard' determinations vacated and remanded back to the FAA.

{{cite news

| last=Lindsay|first=Jay

| title=Associated Press

| url= https://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/story/2011-10-28/cape-wind-aviation-ruling/50977156/1

| accessdate=17 January 2012

| newspaper=USA Today

| date=28 October 2011}}

On 15 August 2012 Cape Wind again received full approval from the FAA, which determined that the wind farm would cause no danger to aircraft operations.{{cite news|title=FAA rules Cape Wind project poses no hazard to planes |url=https://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2012/08/15/faa-rules-cape-wind-project-poses-hazard-planes/wrds6gRVgtGkk7HlekpZ4O/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817022852/http://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2012/08/15/faa-rules-cape-wind-project-poses-hazard-planes/wrds6gRVgtGkk7HlekpZ4O/story.html |archive-date=August 17, 2012 }} However, Cape Wind had begun its planning, even without full federal approval.

{{cite news

| last=Levitz | first=Jennifer

| title=Cape Cod Wind Farm Tiptoes Ahead

| url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444900304577581460741815638?mod=ITP_pageone_1

| work=The Wall Street Journal

| accessdate=2008-12-12}}

The Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound filed a lawsuit in June 2010, claiming that federal approvals violated the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.

{{cite web

| url= http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/97173754.html

| title=Native & American Indian News, Culture, Music, Art and More - Indian Country Today Media Network.com

| publisher=Indiancountrytoday.com

| accessdate=2012-03-24}}

On 6 October 2010, Interior Secretary Salazar announced that a 28-year lease had been signed, which would have cost Cape Wind an annual fee of $88,278 before construction, and a two to seven percent variable operating fee during production, based on revenue from selling the energy.

{{cite web

|url= http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Secretary-Salazar-Promotes-Clean-Energy-Signs-Cape-Wind-Lease-at-AWEA-Conference.cfm |title=Secretary Salazar Promotes Clean Energy, Signs Cape Wind Lease at AWEA Conference |publisher=Doi.gov

|date=2010-10-06

|accessdate=2012-03-24}}

{{cite news

| url=https://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/greenblog/2010/10/cape_wind_awarded_federal_leas.html

| work=The Boston Globe

| first=Beth | last=Daley

| title=Cape Wind awarded federal lease

| date=October 6, 2010}}

On 22 November 2010, a 15-year power purchase agreement between Cape Wind and National Grid was signed for 50% of the electricity, at a price of 18.7¢/kWh,Vaughan, Ashley. [http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/11/23/massachusetts.wind.farm/ Massachusetts OK power deal in another win for offshore wind project] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011603/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/11/23/massachusetts.wind.farm/ |date=March 5, 2016 }} CNN, 23 November 2010. Retrieved: 23 November 2010. which would have added $1.50 a month to the electricity bill of an average home.Cassidy, Patrick. [http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101123/NEWS/11230310/1018/OPINION Cape Wind wins approval of deal to sell power] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201248/http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20101123%2FNEWS%2F11230310%2F1018%2FOPINION |date=March 3, 2016 }} South Coast Today, 23 November 2010. Retrieved: 23 November 2010.

On 7 January 2011, Cape Wind announced it had received permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Environmental Protection Agency.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120309172907/http://www.capewind.org/news1174.htm Cape Wind Completes Permitting Process]}}

On 18 April 2011, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement granted its necessary approval for the project.{{cite web|title=Cape Wind|url=https://www.boem.gov/Massachusetts-Cape-Wind/|website=Bureau of Ocean Energy Management|accessdate=13 July 2017}}

In Summer 2011, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) filed a lawsuit against the federal government for allowing Cape Wind to move forward.{{cite news|last=Daley |first=Beth |title=Wampanoag tribe sues over Cape Wind |url=https://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/greenblog/2011/07/wampanoag_tribe_sues_over_cape.html |work=The Boston Globe |accessdate=12 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103181910/http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/greenblog/2011/07/wampanoag_tribe_sues_over_cape.html |archive-date=November 3, 2012 }} Contradicting the Aquinnahs, the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe previously had expressed support for the project.{{cite web |title=Head of Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe sends Salazar letter of support for Cape Wind |url=http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/2010/03/05/head-of-pocasset-wampanoag-tribe-sends-s?blog=53 |work=Cape Cod Today |accessdate=12 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929211545/http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/2010/03/05/head-of-pocasset-wampanoag-tribe-sends-s?blog=53 |archive-date=2011-09-29 |url-status=dead }}

In July 2016, an appeals court ruled that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management had not obtained "sufficient site-specific data on seafloor" as obligated by the National Environmental Policy Act.{{cite web|url=http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2016/07/cape-wind-project-suffers-loss-at-federal-appeals-court.html|title=Cape Wind Project Suffers Loss at Federal Appeals Court|date=2016-07-15}}

Cape Wind had signed a power purchase agreement with National Grid to sell half the project's output (i.e., about 750GW·h per year) for an initial price of 20.7¢/kW·h (later reduced to 18.7¢Dotson, Sharryn. [http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/10/changing-tides-in-offshore-wind Changing Tides in Offshore Wind] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223090403/http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/10/changing-tides-in-offshore-wind |date=December 23, 2014 }} Power Engineering, 13 October 2010. Retrieved: 14 October 2010.)—a price more than twice then-current retail rates (though increases in electrical prices in the winter of 2014 narrowed the difference significantly{{cite news|last1=Seelye|first1=Katharine|title=Even Before Long Winter Begins, Energy Bills Send Shivers in New England|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/us/even-before-long-winter-begins-energy-bills-send-shivers-in-new-england.html|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=14 December 2014|date=2014-12-13}}). The deal was subject to approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (PUC).{{cite news

| url= http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/selling-cape-winds-future-wares/

| title= Selling Cape Wind's Future Wares

| last= Wald | first= Matthew L. | date= May 7, 2010 | work= The New York Times

| accessdate= 2010-05-08 }} In February 2012, NSTAR Utility agreed to a PPA equivalent of 129 MW capacity, a demand from PUC for allowing NSTAR and Northeast Utilities to complete a $4.8 billion merger.Quilter, James. [http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160515140240/http://www.windpowermonthly.com/news/1117411/Cape-Wind-proceed-129MW-NStar-PPA Cape Wind to proceed after 129MW NStar PPA] Windpower Monthly, 16 February 2012. Accessed: 19 February 2012. The second power purchase agreement with state utility NSTAR for 27.5% of the output had also been approved by Massachusetts regulators.{{cite web|url=http://www.governorswindenergycoalition.org/?p=4027|title=Mass. regulators approve Cape Wind power contract – Governors' Wind Energy Coalition}}

In January 2015, National Grid and Northeast Utilities cited Cape Wind's failure to obtain financing by 31 December 31, 2014 as grounds for terminating their contract. National Grid spokesman Jake Navarro said the company was "disappointed that Cape Wind has been unable to meet its commitments under the contract, resulting in today's termination of the power purchase agreement".{{cite news|title=Two utilities opt out of Cape Wind|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/01/06/major-setback-for-cape-wind-project/kggnYeAXRj03PyfIUn2iIM/story.html |first=Jim |last=O'Sullivan |date=January 7, 2015 |work=The Boston Globe}} According to Cape Wind, the terminations were invalid because of contract provisions that would extend the deadlines. After NStar and National Grid cancelled their contracts with Cape Wind, Cape Wind's leases with Quonset Development Corporation (for a port facility), Falmouth Harbor Marina (for headquarters), and New Bedford Marine Commerce (for staging and construction) were terminated.{{cite news|url=http://www.capecodtimes.com/article/20150312/NEWS/150319766|title=Longtime Cape Wind spokesman resigns|first=Christine|last=Legere|date=March 12, 2015|work=Cape Cod Times}} Additionally, Cape Wind was suspended by Independent System Operator/New England from participating in New England's wholesale electricity markets.

Controversy surrounding Cape Wind had been focused on its proposed location in Nantucket Sound.[http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6891/content_item/aboutus Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106041251/http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6891/content_item/aboutus |date=January 6, 2011 }} Because Cape Wind was positioning its project as a potential ecotourism destination, it was criticized for disguising (or greenwashing) its industrial aspects.{{cite web|last=Cassidy |first=Chris |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20101030cape_wind_dont_be_tricked/srvc=home&position=also |title=Cape Wind: Don't be tricked |work=Boston Herald |date=2010-10-30 |accessdate=2012-03-24}}

Supporters of the project, led by the non-profit grassroots organization Clean Power Now,[http://www.cleanpowernow.org/ Clean Power Now] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422020451/http://www.cleanpowernow.org/ |date=April 22, 2016 }}. Retrieved on 2009-05-12. cited wind's ability to displace oil and gas consumption with clean, locally produced energy and claimed that the project was the best option for much-needed new generating capacity in the region. It would have supplied 75% of the average electrical needs of Cape Cod and the Islands. The Massachusetts Audubon Society conditionally endorsed the project in March 2006 as safe for birds, but asked for further studies.{{cite news

| url= https://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/03/29/audubon_review_supports_wind_farm/

| title= Audubon review supports wind farm

| last= Daley | first= Beth | date= March 29, 2006 | work= The Boston Globe

| accessdate= 2009-05-12 }}

Year round and summer residents expressed concerns over the location of the project: some claiming that the project would ruin scenic views from private properties as well as views from public properties like beaches, as the turbines would be only 4.8 miles from shore{{cite web|url=http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6891/content_item/threats-view |title=Salsa Labs {{pipe}} Ingredients for Organizing |publisher=Org2.democracyinaction.org |date=2011-08-24 |accessdate=2012-03-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430190430/http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6891/content_item/threats-view |archive-date=April 30, 2011 }} and therefore would decrease property values, ruin popular areas for yachting, and cause other environmental problems. The Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound argued that Nantucket Sound was known worldwide for its wildlife and natural beauty.{{cite web

|url=http://www.saveoursound.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NantucketSound_TheSound

|title=Nantucket Sound

|year=2007

|publisher=Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound

|accessdate=2009-05-12

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221054030/http://www.saveoursound.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NantucketSound_TheSound

|archive-date=2009-12-21

}}

Phillip Scudder, owner of the Hy-Line ferry service on Cape Cod, originally opposed the project because he wondered how to navigate around the turbines when going to Martha's Vineyard, but changed his opposition to support in light of the economic opportunity to provide "eco-tours."{{cite news |last=Levitz|first=Jennifer |title=Cape Cod Wind Farm Tiptoes Ahead |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444900304577581460741815638?mod=ITP_pageone_1 |accessdate=13 August 2012 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=10 August 2012}}

Walter Cronkite drew attention by coming out against the wind farm; he later changed his opinion.{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2003/08/29/cronkite_urges_full_review_of_wind_farm_proposal/|title=Cronkite urges full review of wind farm proposal|work=The Boston Globe|first=Stephanie|last=Ebbert|date=August 29, 2003}} Other opponents included the late Senator Ted Kennedy,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/storm-over-mass-windmill-plan/|title=Storm Over Mass. Windmill Plan|work=CBS News|first=Rome|last=Neal|date=June 26, 2003}} former Governor Mitt Romney, and businessman Bill Koch,{{cite news |url= https://www.forbes.com/2006/09/21/koch-gordon-nantucket-biz_cz_td_06rich400_0921nantucket.html |title= Koch's New Fight |date= September 21, 2006 |author= Doyle, Tim |work=Forbes}} who has donated $1.5 million to the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and the state’s junior senator John Kerry [https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/state/2010/04/28/kerry-supports-cape-wind-if/51624572007/ supported] Cape Wind after it had passed key federal review thresholds.

Proponents suggested that some opposition was motivated in part by ownership of real-estate on Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard or the mainland and that it raised issues of environmental justice. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose family's Kennedy Compound is within sight of the proposed wind farm, wrote an essay for the New York Times stating his support for wind power in general, but opposing the project.

{{cite news

| url= https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/16/opinion/an-ill-wind-off-cape-cod.html

| title= An Ill Wind Off Cape Cod

| last= Kennedy | first= Robert Jr.

| author-link= Robert Kennedy, Jr.

| date= December 16, 2005

| work= The New York Times

| accessdate= 2009-05-12 }}

However, this did not represent the view of most Massachusetts citizens: in a 2005 survey, 81% of adults supported the project, 61% of Cape Cod residents supported it, and 14% of adults opposed it.{{cite web

| url= http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=19667

| title= Cape Wind Has Powerful Critics, Supporters

| last= Conte | first= Frank

| date= September 1, 2006 | work= Budget & Tax News | publisher= The Heartland Institute

| accessdate= 2009-05-12 }}

In 2012, then-candidate for Congress Joseph Kennedy III, in a break from other Kennedy family members, announced his support for the Cape Wind project.[http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/young-kennedy-breaks-with-family-over-cape-wind/ Young Kennedy Breaks with Family Over Cape Wind] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115204419/http://thebreakthrough.org/index.php/programs/energy-and-climate/young-kennedy-breaks-with-family-over-cape-wind/ |date=November 15, 2016 }}, The Breakthrough, September 10, 2012.Sampson, Zachary. [https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/08/31/joseph-kennedy-iii-breaks-from-family-position-declares-support-for-cape-wind/rXUsWi3uc8xosamERyW3PJ/story.html Joseph Kennedy III Breaks from Family's Position, Declares Support for Cape Wind] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308193509/http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/08/31/joseph-kennedy-iii-breaks-from-family-position-declares-support-for-cape-wind/rXUsWi3uc8xosamERyW3PJ/story.html |date=March 8, 2016 }}, The Boston Globe, September 1, 2012.

A 2007 book by Robert Whitcomb, Vice President and Editorial Page Editor of the Providence Journal, and Wendy Williams argued that the fight over Cape Wind involved a powerful, privileged minority imposing its will on the majority.Lacey, Stephen. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071010110009/http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/podcast?id=49667 The Saga Behind Cape Wind; Growing Opportunities in the Renewable Energy Sector]}}, RenewableEnergyAccess.com website, August 16, 2007.

In 2014, a judge dismissed the 26th lawsuit against Cape Wind and commented "There comes a point at which the right to litigate can become a vexatious abuse of the democratic process."Stearns, Richard G. "[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140508090629/http://pacer.mad.uscourts.gov/dc/cgi-bin/recentops.pl?filename=stearns/pdf/cape+wind+order+on+mtd.pdf CIVIL ACTION NO. 14 – 10148 – RGS]" United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, 2 May 2014. Accessed: 19 July 2014.Bindslev, Joachim Claushøj. "[http://energiwatch.dk/Energinyt/Renewables/article6694402.ece New wind for Danish project in the US]" (in Danish) EnergiWatch, 6 May 2014. Accessed: 19 July 2014. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140719132525/http://energiwatch.dk/Energinyt/Renewables/article6694402.ece Archived] on 19 July 2014.

In January 2015, Ian Bowles, the Massachusetts Energy and Environment head, cited the recent breach of contract from Cape Wind as indicating that the development most likely had been abandoned, "Presumably, this means the project will not move forward."

Cape Wind was an issue in the 2006 election for Governor of Massachusetts. The winner, Democrat Deval Patrick, supported the project; his Republican opponent, former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, opposed it.{{cite news

|url = http://www.capecodtoday.com/news506.htm

|title = Patrick says Healey is blocking state's renewable energy growth

|date = Sep 9, 2006

|work = Cape Cod Today

|accessdate = 2009-05-12

|archive-url = https://archive.today/20061024203228/http://www.capecodtoday.com/news506.htm

|archive-date = 2006-10-24

|url-status = dead

}}{{cite web|url=http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/Revolution |title=Renewable Energy Revolution|work=Cape Cod Today|accessdate=2009-05-12|archive-url=https://archive.today/20061024200225/http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/Revolution|archive-date=2006-10-24|url-status=dead}}

An article by Grist.org on 17 July 2012{{cite news

| url= http://grist.org/news/mitt-romney-may-have-a-few-million-reasons-to-oppose-wind-power/

| title= Mitt Romney may have a few million reasons to oppose wind power

|author= Philip Bump

| date= July 17, 2012

| work= Grist Magazine

| accessdate= 2013-07-11 }} explained that Mitt Romney strongly opposed the Cape Wind project beginning in 2006. If elected Romney could have severely affected the project's continuation, which was set to begin building in 2013. William Koch, who opposed the Cape Wind project, was also a major contributor to Romney's presidential election, donating a record two million dollars.{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=James |date=2012-08-02 |title=Mitt Romney confirms he would end US wind power subsidies |url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/aug/02/mitt-romney-end-us-wind-subsidies |access-date=2022-06-18 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}

In the 2012 Massachusetts Senate race, Scott Brown, the Republican incumbent, opposed Cape Wind while his Democratic challenger and the election winner, Elizabeth Warren supported the project.{{cite news|title=Rivals split on environmental issues |url=https://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2012/08/03/senator_scott_brown_and_elizabeth_warren_clash_over_their_environmental_views/?page=full |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521162213/http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2012/08/03/senator_scott_brown_and_elizabeth_warren_clash_over_their_environmental_views/?page=full |archive-date=May 21, 2014 }}

In 2003 a documentary film entitled Wind Over Water was released about the controversy over the Cape Wind Project. The film by journalist Ole Tangen, Jr. chronicled the debate as it unfolded on the Cape. An independent production, the filmmaker interviewed subjects from both sides of the debate including Jim Gordon, the driving force behind Cape Wind and Isaac Rosen, then director of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound. Focusing also on wind power in general, Wind Over Water featured aerial footage of the offshore wind farm at Horns Rev in Denmark and footage of various wind farms in the U. On 6 December 2003, the film made its world and Cape Cod premiere at the Lillie Auditorium in Woods Hole.

Satirical news correspondent Jason Jones of The Daily Show also covered the Cape Wind project.{{cite web

| url= http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/player.jhtml?ml_video=91140&is_large=true

| title= Nantucket

| last= Jones | first= Jason| author-link= Jason Jones (actor)

| date= August 7, 2007 | work= The Daily Show

| accessdate= 2009-05-12 }}

A feature-length documentary about the Cape Wind project, entitled Cape Spin: An American Power Struggle, had pre-release screenings in the summer of 2011.{{cite web

|url= http://www.wgbh.org/wcai/cape_wind_blog.cfm |title= Sean Corcoran's Cape Wind Blog |author= Corcoran, Sean

|publisher= WCAI: Cape and Islands NPR Station }}

Wendy Williams and Robert Whitcomb wrote a book about the project's history called Cape Wind: Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics and the Battle for Our Energy Future on Nantucket Sound.{{cite book

| last = Whitcomb

| first = Robert

| author2 = Wendy M. Williams

| author3 = Robert F. Whitcomb

| title = Cape Wind, Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics, and the Battle for Our Energy Future on Nantucket Sound

| publisher = Public Affairs

| date = May 2007

| isbn = 978-1-58648-397-5

| page = [https://archive.org/details/capewindmoneycel00robe/page/326 326]

| url-access = registration

| url = https://archive.org/details/capewindmoneycel00robe/page/326

}} In an interview, one of the authors stated that the fight over Cape Wind was a case of "a very small group of people, with more money than most of us can possibly imagine, who decided from the very beginning [...] that they didn't want it there, it would upset their martini time."

A 2007 Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) survey of 600 state residents found that 93% of Massachusetts residents agreed that the state should be "a national leader in using cleaner and renewable energy on a large scale by moving ahead with offshore wind power" and other clean energy initiatives. The statement was supported by 78% of those living on the Cape and on the Islands.{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-15-2007/0004646292&EDATE=|title=Survey: Leadership on Cape Wind, Other Clean Energy Solutions to Global Warming Seen as Path to New 'Massachusetts Miracle'|first=Civil Society Institute, Newton|last=MA|access-date=2020-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209033731/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F08-15-2007%2F0004646292&EDATE=|archive-date=2009-02-09|url-status=dead}}

The 2007 ORC survey also found that 84% of Massachusetts residents – including 58% of those living on the Cape and on the Islands – explicitly supported "the proposed Cape Wind offshore wind farm that would involve wind turbines being placed in Nantucket Sound about five and a half miles from the Town of Hyannis." (A June 2006 survey posed the same question and found 81% support statewide and 61% in Cape Cod/the Islands.)

In 2007, 78% of Massachusetts residents surveyed, including 61% of those living on the Cape and on the Islands, supported wind as the best energy resource to provide electricity to Cape Cod and the Islands. Statewide, the support for other alternatives was as follows: nuclear (10%); coal (4%); and other (5%).

Clean renewable energy was widely supported over nuclear power in Massachusetts, including on the Cape and on the Islands. Massachusetts residents expressed preference for solar power (91%), more energy conservation (90%), and wind power (89%) used first before resorting to more nuclear power. On the Cape and on the Islands, the views were similar, with strong support for wind power (75%); conservation (81%); and solar (84%).

2007 survey results were based on telephone interviews conducted among a sample of 600 householders aged18 and over. Interviewing was completed by Opinion Research Corporation for the Newton-based Civil Society Institute,[http://www.civilsocietyinsitute.com Civil Society Institute]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Civil Society Institute website. during July and August 2007.

During the 4 November 2008 election, 87% of voters in eleven Massachusetts towns on the south shore, near but not on the Cape, voted yes on Question 4, a non-binding question that read, "Should the state representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would support the development of Cape Wind in Nantucket Sound and other possible future onshore and offshore wind power developments in Massachusetts?" The measure was voted on by the towns of Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph, Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Scituate, Hanover, Norwell, and Rockland.{{cite web

|url = http://www.capewind.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=919

|title = Cape Wind Wins 87% of Vote in Ballot Question

|date = November 6, 2008

|publisher = Cape Wind Associates

|accessdate = 2009-05-12

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722133110/http://www.capewind.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=919

|archive-date = 2011-07-22

|url-status = usurped

}} A 2009 poll by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce showed that 55% of its members opposed the project and 41% supported it.[https://archive.today/20120908112509/http://www.saveoursound.org/site/News2?news_iv_ctrl=-1&page=NewsArticle&id=6757 Cape Cod Chamber Poll Finds 55% Opposed to Controversial Cape Wind Project]

A 2010 poll by the Boston Globe found that 69% of respondents supported Cape Wind, and 20% opposed it. Questions about cost found that half of respondents said they would not support paying higher prices for the project's electricity. In general, however, many respondents said they would be in favor of paying higher rates if it meant getting electricity from cleaner sources. Forty-two percent said they would be willing to pay more, while seven percent were unsure.{{cite news| url=https://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2010/09/27/in_poll_edge_goes_to_sales_tax_cut/ | work=The Boston Globe | first=Alan | last=Wirzbicki | title=In poll, edge goes to sales tax cut | date=September 27, 2010}}

In 2011, "Earlier that year, the Civil Society Institute commissioned an independent scientific survey of public opinion on Cape Wind that found 81% support in the State of Massachusetts, and their sub-sample of Cape and Islands residents also found more support than opposition."{{cite web |last=Walker |title=So whom do you believe? |url= http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/2011/07/08/so-whom-do-you-believe?blog=193 |work=Cape Cod Today |accessdate=2012-08-13}}{{Dead link|date=January 2015}}

In 2011, Mass Inc. polling group hosted a poll, "The 80% Challenge: A Survey of Climate Change Opinion and Action in Massachusetts". Its findings showed "when asked about future energy needs, large majorities said they would like to see more reliance on solar power (87%), wind power (86%), and natural gas (64%), far higher than levels who want to see more coal (21%), oil (14%) or nuclear power (31%)." Furthermore, "The survey showed, among many factors, strong support for renewable energy, with eight in ten residents willing to pay an extra one dollar, and 60% saying they would pay up to five dollars more for renewable energy over traditional sources like oil or coal."{{cite web |title=Massachusetts residents strongly prefer wind, solar, and gas over oil, coal, and nuclear power |url= http://www.massincpolling.com/?p=208 |publisher=Mass Inc Polling Group |accessdate=2012-08-12}}

A 2013 survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center polled 503 Massachusetts residents about the Cape Wind project. More respondents opposed the project than supported it and 50% thought it should be halted. Nearly two-thirds wanted utilities to buy less expensive power instead of more expensive renewable sources.

{{cite web

|url=http://www.neratepayers.org/support-for-cape-wind-project-has-collapsed-since-2007

|title=Support for Cape Wind Project Has Collapsed Since 2007 – New England Ratepayers Association

|accessdate=2015-05-08

|url-status=live

|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160519064146/http%3A//www.neratepayers.org/support%2Dfor%2Dcape%2Dwind%2Dproject%2Dhas%2Dcollapsed%2Dsince%2D2007

|archive-date=2016-05-19

}}

In 2010, the Massachusetts Attorney General's office estimated that Cape Wind would ultimately cost $2.5 billion. Monetary costs of the electricity generated by the project were estimated to be double the 2010 price of traditional fossil fuels.{{cite news| url=https://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2010/10/10/cape_wind_backers_blew_right__by_cost/ | work=The Boston Globe | first=Beth | last=Daley | title=Cape Wind backers blew right by cost | date=October 10, 2010}}

In 2014, the Republican side of the House voted to block a $150 million loan guarantee for Cape Wind, acknowledging that the block was narrowly targeted.Juliano, Nick. "[http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060002699 House passes $34B energy-water spending bill]" Environmental and energy news, 11 July 2014. Accessed: 19 July 2014. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140719121306/http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060002699 Archived] on 19 July 2014. The project had a $600 million loan guarantee from the Danish export credit agency, their biggest ever, and another $200 million from PensionDanmark; combined funding amounted to $1.45 billion.Johansen, Mathias Ørsborg. "[http://energiwatch.dk/Energinyt/Politik___Markeder/article6880505.ece American politicians tease Cape Wind]" (in Danish) EnergiWatch, 18 July 2014. Accessed: 19 July 2014. [https://web.archive.org/web/20140719124756/http://energiwatch.dk/Energinyt/Politik___Markeder/article6880505.ece Archived] on 19 July 2014.

According to a report in the Boston Globe 24 May 2006, Jay M. Cashman, owner of a large construction company that built part of the Big Dig, proposed to build a $750 million wind farm in Buzzards Bay, about {{convert|20|mi|km}} west of the proposed Cape Wind site. The Cashman farm would have been closer (two miles) to shore and would have consisted of 120 turbines, each {{convert|450|ft|m}} tall. The projected generation capacity was 300 MW. According to the Globe, some opponents of the Cape Wind project expressed interest in the Cashman plan.

[https://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/05/24/buzzards_bay_wind_farm_proposed/?page=full Buzzards Bay Wind Farm Proposed] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081752/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/05/24/buzzards_bay_wind_farm_proposed/?page=full |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Boston.com website, May 24, 2006.

In February, 2008, state law was amended removing a prohibition on the construction of electrical generating facilities within ocean sanctuaries.[http://www.buzzardsbay.org/windfarms.htm Proposed Wind Farms in Buzzards Bay] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422082626/http://www.buzzardsbay.org/windfarms.htm |date=April 22, 2014 }}, BuzzardsBay.org website.

Vineyard Wind began construction in 2021.

{{stack|{{Portal|United States|Weather|Renewable energy}}}}

• Energy Policy Act of 2005
• Block Island Wind Farm
• List of offshore wind farms in the United States
• Vineyard Wind
• Mayflower Wind
• Wind power in Massachusetts

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• Cichon, Meg. [http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2014/03/offshore-wind-progress-cape-wind-financing-deepwater-proposal-massive-uk-project-approved Offshore Wind Updates: Cape Wind Financing, Deepwater Proposal, Massive UK Project Approvals], RenewableEnergyWorld.com website, March 27, 2014.
• Handwerk, Brian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20131206122524/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/12/131205-cape-wind-offshore-energy/ Cape Wind Deadline: Headwinds for Offshore Turbines], National Geographic website, December 5, 2013.
• Seelyefeb, Katharine Q. [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/27/us/funds-and-new-timetable-for-offshore-wind-farm-in-massachusetts.html?_r=0 Funds and New Timetable for Offshore Wind Farm in Massachusetts], The New York Times, February 26, 2014.

• {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20170202225917/http://www.capewind.org/}} (archived February 2, 2017)
• [http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Studies/Cape-Wind.aspx Cape Wind overview] by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
• [https://media.wbur.org/wp/2010/04/0428_cape-wind-map_780.jpg Map] showing transportation context

{{Wind power in the United States|state=collapsed}}

Category:Offshore wind farms in the United States

Category:Nantucket, Massachusetts

Category:Martha's Vineyard

Category:Proposed wind farms in the United States

Category:Political history of Massachusetts

Wind

Category:Buildings and structures in Nantucket, Massachusetts