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R.I.P., Cape Wind (bostonglobe.com)

schwit1 quotes the Boston Globe: What a long, slow death it has been for Massachusetts's first proposed offshore wind farm. But now, its proponents are finally pulling the plug. While others in the energy industry considered the Cape Wind project dead, developer Jim Gordon didn't quit after losing power contracts he needed for financing in early 2015, or after state regulators yanked permission for a power line connection last year.

Another big blow came later in 2016 when Cape Wind foes worked their magic on Beacon Hill. They successfully lobbied lawmakers to prevent Cape Wind from benefitting from a major energy bill, one that requires utilities to buy large amounts of offshore wind. This was exactly the kind of legislation Gordon needed. But he wasn't being allowed at the party...

We're embarking on a new era. Wind turbines are on their way for deeper waters, south of Martha's Vineyard. They won't be Gordon's. But at least he can take some credit, in his defeat, for being a pioneer.

6 of 228 comments (clear)

  1. Dems hate wind power by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The summary ignores the fact that the anti-wind forces were the super wealthy Dems in Martha's Vineyard who didn't want their views altered.

    They're all in favor of renewables as long as someone else (you) has to deal with the negatives while they get all the benefits.

  2. Is it just me but... by Camel+Pilot · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I think wind turbines are beautiful machines.Highly engineered and efficient devices that (mostly) silently turn 24/7 generating power and displacing carbon producing sources contributing to human flourishing. They are a statement that says intelligent creatures live here.

    1. Re:Is it just me but... by mspohr · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Cats kill many times more birds than windmills. (3 billion a year vs 300,000)
      We should go after the cats first.

      --
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  3. The people deserve clean, inexpensive power. by fyngyrz · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Let's give them a coal-fired plant as an alternative.

    The problem is, you're giving the people the coal fired plant, when it was the politicians that screwed the people in the first place.

    It's heartbreaking to watch the deep corruption in politics hold society back while doing direct harm to the citizens with their "wars" on informed personal and consensual choice and their blatant corporate fluffing.

    But as long as the voters remain largely poorly educated and gullible, it's going to continue to be corrupt politicians all the way down. Sadly, the people are unable to make the connection between their voting habits and their problems. Not unwilling; unable.

    And guess who controls the people's education?

    Right.

    --
    I've fallen off your lawn, and I can't get up.
    1. Re:The people deserve clean, inexpensive power. by ShanghaiBill · · Score: 4, Insightful

      it was the politicians that screwed the people in the first place.

      Bullcrap. The project was deeply unpopular with the people in the area, and the politicians were reflecting their will.

      But as long as the voters remain largely poorly educated and gullible ...

      MV has some of the best schools in the nation. They are controlled by locally elected school boards, not some vast right-wing conspiracy to kill wind power and sell more coal.

      Sadly, the people are unable to make the connection between their voting habits and their problems.

      The problem was windmills that were perceived as an eyesore. They agitated and voted to ban them. They got exactly what they voted for: No windmills in view from the coastline.

  4. But, remember, Democrats care about AGW by Trailer+Trash · · Score: 4, Insightful

    You know, the rich Democrats who had this project shot down repeatedly really care about global warming. I mean, you wouldn't want these ugly towers to ruin their views while they're on their yacht or flying their private plane. It's understandable.