Actor rips governor’s wind turbine proposal
Invoking the memory of the late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, “Rescue Me” actor and Martha’s Vineyard resident Lenny Clarke yesterday walloped Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposed plan to lease state waters for 166, 450-foot-high wind turbines between the Gay Head cliffs and Cuttyhunk Island.
“Don’t let Teddy die in vain,” said Clarke, calling the Herald from the set of his hit show in New York. “I am all for green energy, but I don’t think it is worth ruining the picturesque beauty of the Vineyard.”
Clarke, 56, who has been a resident of the Vineyard for 13 years, is deeply concerned about the physical danger the turbines, which he calls “monstrosities,” might be for fishermen.
“Someone is going to smash into these towers. I have been out there in the thick of fog. A wind turbine is not something you would be able to see,” he said. “They will be a danger to fishermen.”
Clarke also expressed concern about the potential impact the turbines may have on the local wildlife and environment.
“We have an extensive array of birds. God forbid they fly through the area on a fog-ridden day. They won’t be able to see anything,” he said. “I think those are some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. What will happen if these things are installed?”
Wind farm proponents have said potential impacts have been exaggerated and are offset by the benefits of clean energy. Patrick’s final plan, due from Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian A. Bowles by Dec. 31, would permit a commercial wind farm of up to 100 turbines southwest of the wildlife refuge Nomans Land off the Vineyard and another 66 off Cuttyhunk Island. The Martha’s Vineyard project is separate from the proposed Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound.
By Benjamin Bell and Laurel J. Sweet
The Boston Herald
10 December 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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