Looking at the wind turbines spinning gradually along the coastal skyline puts an impression of the country’s progress in clean and renewable energy, providing power to various homes, hospitals, businesses, and public infrastructure. New England is focusing more on its gusty coastlines and wind energy which may seem simple to a lot many people. When we look at the bold ideas and decisions behind it, the path to reality is full of hurdles.
While New England shows a great interest in renewable and clean power sources, the development and legal journey of wind farms is hampered by complex procedures, political roadblocks, community resistance, and strategic siting to reduce the environmental impact. Let’s take a closer look at this article, what is holding back the energy in New England, and what steps the government and developers are taking to move the needle forward.
Why New England Looks to the Wind
Before moving towards the legalities, let’s understand why New England is moving towards the wind. As we are all aware that New England is well-known for its offshore wind potential, and a few of its states, such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island, have set a target of clean energy. In fact, by 2050, Massachusetts has set a goal to be committed to net-zero greenhouse emissions. Offshore wind in a few areas has the potential to release immense power without the emissions that come from fossil fuels.
All the developers and policymakers are well-known for the fact that wind is not only a supplement, but it is a broader strategy to move away from the usage of oil and natural gas. But determination doesn’t inevitably translate into implementation.
Legal Hurdles: Where the Wind Meets Resistance
Despite favorable geographical conditions and political will, the legal procedures for wind farms in New England is facing a lot many challenges. Now, understand the legal issues:
Sanctioning & Regulatory Complications
All the developers must steer the patchwork of local, state, and federal rules and regulations, as a single wind farm project may require approvals from:
- Local zonal boards
- The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
- State environmental and energy agencies
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Each board requires its timelines and procedures, which can lead to potential for delay.
The “Viewshed” Debate
One of the most common debates in vocal forms of opposition to wind offshore comes from all the coastal communities, who claim that the wind turbines ruin their view. The debate got more focus in the Cape Wind project in Massachusetts, which was cancelled after years of legal battles.
The debate was a result of aesthetic concerns and legal actions filed by the coastal and environmental groups. Though the project is now a history, the legal example sets to continue the influence of how community engagement can impact such big projects.
Fishing Industry Pushback
In New England, the project expansion of offshore wind energy faces pushback from the fishing industries regarding how it would affect the marine habitats, navigation routes, and economic livelihoods. These issues raised by the fishing industries are legitimate and, in most cases, have resulted in lawsuits, compromises, and public hearings.
The fishing industry plays an important role in New England, both economically and culturally, and any harm to fisheries may invite intense scrutiny. Looking at the seriousness, the developers are now collaborating with the fishers, but this takes a lot of time and costs, including the legal complexity in the projects.
Technical Issues
Constructing an offshore wind turbine presents a unique technical challenge, which involves the installation of turbines in deep water where they have to look after the marine environment and maintain the structural integrity of the turbines. Any technical failure or observation can lead to a massive disaster.
Offshore Wind Power
Though offshore wind is a new technology, it is known for the resources required for effective development. The locations offshore are considered to have desirable conditions for the production of wind energy, as it has high velocities, wind flow stability, and minimal turbulence. Wind speeds in the ocean are 20 percent higher than those over land, and it is considered reliable, as wind is obstructed by tall buildings and structures.
Can the Legal Hurdles Catch Up to the Wind?
In New England, the legal challenges of wind farms are real, but that doesn’t mean they are undefeatable. It raises a bigger question of how we can do justice with the innovation and the environment.
All the developers, as well as the lawmakers, are trying their best to modernize the outdated procedures and are learning early engagement with the local stakeholders. The residents are also trying to see the wind farms as a source of clean energy shortly.
The next decade is going to be crucial with the advancement of technology and maturing legal frameworks, where wind projects will no longer face exceptions, but will rule. For New England, the wind energy may finally be blowing in the right direction.
All to Know
Subject to current environmental, economic, and political circumstances and conditions, nearly every country is shifting its focus towards the development of renewable energy. In the U.S., there is a lot of dependency on fossil fuels, as a result of which there are a lot of price fluctuations and poor air quality.
The story of wind energy in New England is more about its people, land, law, and more towards its sustainability. The challenges are more, but so is the opportunity. Let’s hope, the New England offshore wind can stabilize the energy supplies and meet its environmental ambitions.
