The present Cape Wind debate continues as tempers flare almost daily by proponents and opponents alike. This has been, and continues to be, a contentious and divisive issue. That's too bad. Almost all of us know, like and respect citizens on both sides of this issue.
The problem is that this was NEVER seen by the developer as a local issue. The present (as modified) proposal to place a bunch of windmills in Nantucket Sound on Horseshoe Shoal was not conceived or developed by Cape Codders. It was never supported by our local officials and it did not go through a legitimate local process before it started the lengthy state and federal permitting process.
It was, and is, a proposal designed to maximize corporate profits for a handful of folks. It does place these structures in a pristine and unique part of our world, Nantucket Sound.
To the credit of proponents, it also is a step forward in our collective desire to use wind power and to reach our goal of a clean environment and reduction of energy dependence. It's just the wrong location. And this would have been very clear to all if there had been a real local public decision-making process. The location was chosen by the developer, not the community. Doesn't make him a bad guy. It just is what it is.
And it never was a real local process. Cape Codders were not respected in this process. And it might be the right location for corporate profits, but not the right location for every other reason.
The solution? Choose an alternative location after a real and respectful local process and let both sides win this battle.
It won't happen because both sides are dug in too deep. It's all or nothing in this game of winner takes all.
It's too bad that this couldn't have been done right. The first time.
But greed is a great way to ruin the Cape. It truly is too bad!
Can this be salvaged? What do you think?
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A realistic look at life and politics in the Town of Barnstable.
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5 comments:
The process has lacked common sense. It's all about profits! Electric rates will still go up, mark my words!
Al
You're right Al. Rates just keep going up. Gordon will be a billionaire and our rates will keep going up. Why can't the County get into wind power.
BB, How can this guy just take over land or water bodies owned by the State and Federal Governement? Why don't the feds put the lands out to bid. Is this a sweetheart deal or what?
Of course, it is a sweetheart deal. These people don't care about Cape Cod. They are only in it for the bucks.
BB,
I have mixed feelings about the windmill project.
I strongly support the development of alternative energy resources, and think that wind generators have a great future, and will eventually be built off Cape Cod.
At the same time, I am very concerned with protecting our environment from unnecessary degradation.
A wind turbine project that was developed in a way to minimize environmental damage would be a good thing for the Cape...it could decrease global warming, and provide some of the "clean, light industry" so much has been said about for many years.
I wouldn't mind seeing some windmills while at the beach or boating if it allowed us to keep the Cape from becoming a sandbar due to rising sea levels, and it provided our local youths with some decent paying jobs to keep them here.
Unfortuantely, much of this fight is led by people who think the waterways should just be scenic, and don't understand the history of commercial activities on our shores and bays. If they were really concerned about the Cape, they wouldn't build huge mansions along our beaches, private docks to accomodate their oversized yachts, and dump nitogen into our aquafers to keep their lawns pretty. Where are their million $$$ fundraisers to save our harbors from overdevelopment?
The real fight isn't to preserve the view, but to protect the environment from serious harm. If we can have windmill development without causing severe damage to our birds and fish, I really don't care if the millionaries see the flashing lights from their decks.
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