The Cape Wind Project - Term Paper Example

The Cape Wind Project The Cape Wind Project, developed by Cape Wind Associates is by far one of the most ambitious projects undertaken in the history of the United States of America. It would be the first major offshore wind installation project that promises to provide electricity to almost 75% of the area including Cape Cod and other neighboring areas such as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. However, the project today, despite the innumerable benefits that it has to offer, is deterred by a number of concerns raised by innumerable agencies and organizations such as The Humane Society of the United States, The International Fund for Animal Welfare, The Massachusetts Audubon Society and several other local as well as state conservation groups. The groups supporting the project include major national and international organizations such as Greenpeace, Union of Concerned Scientists, World Wildlife Fund, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. The supporters of the project believe that it has immense potential of generating energy without the use of fossil fuels and promises an environmental friendly approach, besides the fact that it could generate huge employment opportunities in the surrounding areas. The opponents however, disagree arguing that it would cause damage to the aesthetic and historical sites thereby deteriorating and disturbing the natural environment. Although the technical aspects that posed potential obstacles to the offshore energy development project are largely resolved, the concerns over the social, political, environmental and economic aspects are still a matter of grave concern and continue to be debated across the country which tends to avert investment in such a phenomenal project. According to a survey conducted in 2005, the opponents of the project comprised of 42.4%, of Cape Cod residents, 24.6% of those who supported it and 33% who were still undecided (Firestone, Kempton, 2007). Some of the major social, economic and political issues concerning Cape Wind are discussed hereunder. Social: The tourism industry in the Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard regions could flourish and prosper immensely as a resultant impact of the Cape Wind project. The developers intend to promote recreational tourism which is likely to benefit the boaters and fishermen in the nearby areas. It is an environmental friendly approach towards generating energy which is more beneficial than any other alternative sources of energy development including hydro power or nuclear power (Cape Wind, 2008). Economic: The Cape Wind Project is likely to offer substantial economic benefits even before the commencement of construction work through construction jobs which involves employing of hundreds of workers with a spin off benefit to the local businessmen, year round jobs – which includes controlling, operating and maintaining the park throughout the year, and developing and promoting new tourism opportunities in the area such as charter fishing boats, sailboat tours, and scenic cruises which could include the wind park as an attractive eco tourism destination. Part B: Written Testimony Arguments in favor of the project: The Cape Wind Project is likely to produce a maximum of 420 megawatts of electricity during its peak output which is more than the required output of the regions including Cape Cod and the Islands. This electricity could be extended to homes, schools, businesses and other institutions which will reap the benefit of clean green electricity. The project has the potential of reducing electricity prices as well as the environmental impact by minimizing air pollution and relying on energy saving alternatives. The electricity produced by Cape Wind will significantly reduce the relatively expensive and highly pollutant fossil fuelled power plants and thus contribute towards a cleaner and greener environment. The project also proposes to significantly reduce the price of energy for the Massachusetts consumers by minimizing the implementation costs according to the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard. The project receives tremendous support by Greenpeace – a leading independent campaign organization that supports and propagates environmental causes. According to John Passacantando, Executive Director, Greenpeace, USA, Global warming poses significant risks for the Cape and Islands. From more frequent and severe red tides to rising sea levels and more intense storms, a warming planet is a big problem for the same beachfront homeowners who oppose Cape Wind. The environment that is so important to the way of life on Cape Cod is in jeopardy, and projects like Cape Wind are the solution” (Greenpeace.org, 2008). According to a report on global warming by Dr. David Aubrey, the Cape Cod and the islands are in grave danger of being exposed to adverse environmental concerns such as severe worsening of erosion in the coming decades on account of a persistent rise in sea levels. This could result in an alarming situation whereby the Cape Cod and the Islands might fall prey to the global warming by losing 80 acres of land annually on account of soil erosion. This however, could be stopped or prevented by setting up the renewable energy project which has the potential to reduce the adverse impact of greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. Benefits of the Cape Wind Project The Cape Wind Project is an offshore renewable energy project which has multiple and long term benefits social, economic and political benefits. A majority of the country’s electricity generation projects today, are dependent on processes that burn coal for producing electricity. This method of electricity generation is hazardous not only to the environment but also to human life. According to reports, nearly 2000 U.S. miners lose their lives on account of coal dust and about $ 35 billion have been spent on the federal black lung disease benefits program since 1973. Moreover, the process of extracting and refining oil poses grave environmental risks by way of oil spills which can cause considerable damage to the marine life. Besides, importing oil from foreign nations would cause high dependence on such foreign sources which could ultimately lead to an increased political pressure in the near future. Another alternative source of energy generation – nuclear plants are equally hazardous especially since it generates toxic wastes such as plutonium and other similar radioactive elements which need to be disposed with utmost care. It also threatens security risk, since theft of such hazardous chemicals could cause grave consequences. Thus in comparison to these alternatives, energy generation through natural and environmentally friendly alternative such as the Cape Wind project is a far better and cost effective option (Cape Wind, 2008). I support the Cape Wind Offshore Renewable Energy Project on account of the following reasons: Clean, cost – effective and environmentally friendly regional energy source of energy generation Capability to assist the Massachusetts legislative mandate in conforming to their renewable energy portfolio standards Capacity to generate employment opportunities in and around the region Promote and develop eco tourism Foster and ensure community development Environmental Compatibility Ability to contribute significantly in lessening the impact of air pollution and green house gas emission The project design is in harmony with the other simultaneous uses of marine resources and navigable waters Encourage the responsible utilization of renewable source of energy such as wind and water and lay a foundation of a sustainable future Therefore I urge the committee to support the Cape Wind Offshore Renewable Energy Project. Part C: Crystal Ball If the Cape Wind Project is successfully implemented, I predict a sound future for Nantucket Sound with bustling tourism and clean and healthy environment. The deterioration which could have been caused by soil erosion would be eliminated forever and the water and air would be pure and clean. There would not be any dearth electricity and the businesses and other institutions would prosper and flourish. It will also lead to the development of neighboring areas such as the Canal power plant in Sandwich from where the region currently receives a majority of its electricity supply. It would also prevent and reduce the oil shipped to the Cape Cod power plant and avoid incidences such as oil spills which are potentially hazardous to the marine life. Reliance on environmental friendly alternatives such as these would improve the quality of life and ensure a long and healthy life for the citizens of the country. Considering the magnanimity of the phenomenon called global warming and its hazardous repercussions, establishing a project that solely relies on renewable source of energy would be a giant step forward, in contributing to environmental causes. The success of this project would inspire the development and establishment of similar projects across the nation and hence laying a foundation for a pollution free nation. Bibliography: Firestone, J. , Kempton, W., (2007). Public Opinion about Large Offshore Wind Power: Underlying Factors, Energy Policy 65 (2007) Pp. 1584 – 1598 Cape Wind, (2008). Tourism and Recreation, Environmental Impact of Energy Production, viewed: December 17, 2008, from: < http://www.capewind.org/article39.htm> Greenpeace, USA (2008). Cape Wind is a Breath of Fresh Air, viewed: December 17, 2008, from: Read More