Wind Power News: Massachusetts
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Plagued by Hoosac Wind noise in Clarksburg
Trouble sleeping yet again – noise from the Hoosac Wind Power Project. In the morning, I tried calling the complaint line to no avail. In the past, Hoosac Wind owner Iberdrola Renewables would tell me what the conditions were at that time, but the last two times there was no call back. Eventually, I was offered a “noise machine” with recordings of sounds, which only added more sound and no help. Next offer was improvements – windows and insulation – which required signing . . . Complete story »
Theoharides takes US offshore wind job for German company
Paul D. Craney of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance issued a statement criticizing Theoharides for playing key roles as a state official in promoting the offshore wind industry and then taking a job from a company in that industry. “Advocating for the interests of offshore wind companies while working in state government, only to end up working for those interests once you leave state government, is a clear conflict,” he said. Complete story »
Offshore wind farm proposes cable connection through Sakonnet River, Mt. Hope Bay
A major offshore wind project located 30 miles south of Nantucket, capable of powering up to 800,000 homes, proposes to lay a 20-mile-long stretch of mostly underwater cables that would run through the Sakonnet River, bridge over three miles of land in Portsmouth, and then continue north up Mt. Hope Bay to a connection point at Brayton Point in Somerset, Mass., where it will connect up to 1,200 megawatts of power to the electrical grid. The project, currently undergoing an . . . Complete story »
Offshore wind could create more underwater noise
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are partnering with the first utility-scale offshore wind project approved in the U.S., Vineyard Wind, to gather data on underwater sounds and how they could affect marine life. Jennifer Miksis-Olds is the director of UNH’s Center for Acoustic Research and Education. She said balancing the need for clean energy with maintaining a healthy ocean environment is important. But it’s complicated. More development of offshore wind can bring more noise to marine environments, which . . . Complete story »
Climate change brain drain in Baker administration
In a video on YouTube, [former undersecretary for climate change David] Ismay said Massachusetts doesn’t have many big sources of emissions left to target, and is left with changing the lifestyles of ordinary people. “There is no bad guy left, at least in Massachusetts, to point the finger at, turn the screws on, and break their will so they stop emitting,” he said. “That’s you. We have to break your will. I can’t even say that publicly.” Complete story »
Senate OK’s climate change bill over objections
BOSTON – Senate Democrats pushed through a massive climate change bill late Thursday, brushing aside objections that a provision of the measure allowing local bans on natural gas hookups would cost jobs and worsen the housing crisis. The $250 million Democratic-led proposal was approved in a 37-3 vote down party lines after a daylong debate and ill-fated attempt by the Senate’s Republican minority to pass a $500 million “alternative” plan. In remarks ahead of the vote, state Sen. Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, . . . Complete story »
Senate passes climate bill, adds offshore wind boost
Senators took a major step Thursday toward achieving the net-zero emissions target they already set for Massachusetts by approving a policy-heavy bill aimed at expanding the clean energy industry and reining in emissions from the transportation and building sectors. Nearly 12 hours after they kicked off debate, senators voted 37-3 on legislation (S 2819) that faces an unclear future as negotiators prepare to reconcile it with a smaller-scope bill that cleared the House (H 4515). All three of the chamber’s . . . Complete story »
The future of the Scituate Wind turbine could be decided at Town Meeting
After 10 years of operating along the Driftway, the Scituate Wind turbine continues to generate discussion and debate. In response to complaints about health problems and sleep deprivation related to turbine operations, two articles on the warrant for Annual Town Meeting, taking place at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 11, will address the turbine. Article 14, asks members to approve shutting down the wind turbine year-round between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Article 28, a citizens’ petition, will ask voters . . . Complete story »
Turbine operator seeks $1M settlement; Kingston plans to move forward with solar array
KINGSTON – A lawsuit filed by the Independence wind turbine operator against the town of Kingston alleging breach of contract is back in court. Kingston Wind Independence, LLC, claims to be willing to settle for the $1 million limit set by the town’s insurance company and is giving the town a couple of weeks to agree to settle, according to Town Administrator Keith Hickey. The original lawsuit sought more than $9 million from the town. Hickey said Tuesday, March 22 . . . Complete story »
Kingston files lawsuit to tear town Independence turbine
KINGSTON – Town officials want to move forward with plans to remove the Independence wind turbine, but the turbine operator isn’t cooperating. The town is asking a Superior Court judge to issue a ruling terminating Kingston’s lease and power purchase agreement with Kingston Wind Independence LLC due to the company’s failure to pay rent and taxes to the town in an amount exceeding $1.1 million. Officials are also seeking an order from the court to allow the town or its . . . Complete story »
