Opinions Blowing in the Wind

Today we that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) would not seek to lease to developers some 1,600 square miles located southwest of Nantucket. This action reduces the proposed wind-farms area by more than half of its original plan, and it brings the wind farm debate back to the forefront.

As with most things Island-related, people here are very passionate about how they feel about offshore wind power. For some Islanders, the change in the size of the area intended for development has not changed their views on BOEMRE's wind farms project. For others, BOEMRE's action represents a level-headed compromise to outcries against the wind farm altogether.

We may be opening a can of worms that we wish we hadn't opened, but we want to hear from you. Does this proposed change effect your feelings about offshore wind development? Are your thoughts on this federal wind project, to be located, south of the Vineyard, different from those on Cape Wind, which will be located west of the Vineyard in Nantucket Sound? Do you see wind power as a good energy solution? Do you see it as propaganda? Do you have a suggestion? Do you have a question?

We open it up to you Islanders. We want to hear what you have to say. Even if you've made your point again and again, we want to hear it . . . again.