NOT IN MY BACKYARD SYNDROME!!!
(CBS4) BOSTON The controversial wind energy farm proposed for Nantucket Sound could be soon be wiped out with the stroke of a pen.
Supporters say it'll save Cape and islands residents tens of millions of dollars on their energy bills. Opponents claim it's a risky use of public land for private gain.
The feds have yet to pass final judgment on the project. But now, it seems the process is about to be short-circuited by backroom political maneuvering.
As soon as next week, a key congressional committee could vote on an amendment that would pull the plug on the nation's only offshore wind farm plan, an outcome long backed by senator Ted Kennedy.
When asked if he played a role in that and if he supports it, Kennedy replied "I've been informed that it has been put in."
Keller asked Dennis Duffy, of the Cape Wind Project, what it means to him if it passes.
"Yeah, that would effectively be the end of the Cape Wind Project."
Duffy says he's struck by Kennedy's refusal to come right out and admit what many suspect -- that he'd happily see the project killed right now.
"I think there's enormous potential in terms of solar power and wind power all along the coastal areas and I think we ought to take advantage of it," says Kennedy.
Why so circumspect? Even on the Cape and islands, where the wind farm has been highly controversial, our exclusive fast track by survey USA found half the public backing the project. Statewide, polls show landslide support for it.
Keller asked Kennedy if he thinks Cape residents should have a say in something this important rather than having it killed in a back room.
"I think it's dealing with overall shipping lanes, that's what is at issue," says Kennedy.
"The regulatory process should be able to run its course," says Duffy.
That crucial committee vote could come as soon as Monday or Tuesday of next week. And while that would be good news for critics who say Nantucket Sound is not the right place for the project, it could be bad news for Cape and islands residents who stand to save tens of millions of dollars on their energy bills if the wind farm is built.
(CBS4) BOSTON The controversial wind energy farm proposed for Nantucket Sound could be soon be wiped out with the stroke of a pen.
Supporters say it'll save Cape and islands residents tens of millions of dollars on their energy bills. Opponents claim it's a risky use of public land for private gain.
The feds have yet to pass final judgment on the project. But now, it seems the process is about to be short-circuited by backroom political maneuvering.
As soon as next week, a key congressional committee could vote on an amendment that would pull the plug on the nation's only offshore wind farm plan, an outcome long backed by senator Ted Kennedy.
When asked if he played a role in that and if he supports it, Kennedy replied "I've been informed that it has been put in."
Keller asked Dennis Duffy, of the Cape Wind Project, what it means to him if it passes.
"Yeah, that would effectively be the end of the Cape Wind Project."
Duffy says he's struck by Kennedy's refusal to come right out and admit what many suspect -- that he'd happily see the project killed right now.
"I think there's enormous potential in terms of solar power and wind power all along the coastal areas and I think we ought to take advantage of it," says Kennedy.
Why so circumspect? Even on the Cape and islands, where the wind farm has been highly controversial, our exclusive fast track by survey USA found half the public backing the project. Statewide, polls show landslide support for it.
Keller asked Kennedy if he thinks Cape residents should have a say in something this important rather than having it killed in a back room.
"I think it's dealing with overall shipping lanes, that's what is at issue," says Kennedy.
"The regulatory process should be able to run its course," says Duffy.
That crucial committee vote could come as soon as Monday or Tuesday of next week. And while that would be good news for critics who say Nantucket Sound is not the right place for the project, it could be bad news for Cape and islands residents who stand to save tens of millions of dollars on their energy bills if the wind farm is built.