Offshore Wind Wire

By Peter Brennan

Massachusetts delegated regulation of some offshore wind development to local officials today in the final draft of the highly anticipated Ocean Management Plan. The plan, which was required by the Massachusetts Oceans Act of 2008, zones state waters for large-scale offshore wind development and is being touted as the first offshore wind-zoning plan in the country.

The plan designates two areas, one off of the Elizabeth Islands and one south of Nomans Land, near Martha’s Vineyard, as zones for large-scale offshore wind development. In a move hinted at by administration officials after the release of the Draft Ocean Management Plan, the final plan also grants regional planning authorities the clout to define the appropriate scale of renewable energy projects in state waters near their communities. Wind advocates are concerned that delegating regulatory authority to local officials could severely limit or stop offshore wind development in state waters.

While state officials granted the Martha’s Vineyard Commission oversight power on large-scale offshore wind projects, they specifically exempted the offshore wind zone near Cuttyhunk Island from local regulation. Cuttyhunk residents have expressed a willingness to host a commercial wind farm, while Martha’s Vineyard officials say that they have jurisdiction over the small community and its waters. The decision could pave the way for offshore wind development near the 86-resident town.

“Development of a commercial-scale wind energy facility shall be permitted in this area (near Cuttyhunk Island) subject to reasonable conditions developed in consultation with local officials,” the plan read.

Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Assistant Secretary for Oceans Deerin Babb-Brott, in a press release accompanying the final plan, suggested that the plan could be further adapted.

”The intent of the ocean plan is to serve as a vital, adaptive, living document that will guide stakeholders and user groups, resource managers and the public in the protection and balanced use of our marine waters,” Babb-Brott said.

Aspects of the plan are sure to be met with criticism from certain groups. The Conservation Law Foundation, an environmental watchdog, had railed against delegating any authority over wind developments to local officials. Let Vineyarders Decide, a Martha’s Vineyard advocacy group, sought local approval for any offshore wind development, and may be irked that the offshore wind zone near Cuttyhunk Island is beyond their control.