May 25, 2011

Offshore wind: Guidelines are work in progress

(Source: Cape Cod Times)trackingBy Patrick Cassidy, Cape Cod Times, Hyannis, Mass.

May 18–HYANNIS — Scientific advisors to the federal agency overseeing the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm and other offshore energy projects worry primarily about two things: good science and bad bureaucracy.

Members of the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Outer Continental Shelf Scientific Committee convened Tuesday to discuss these and other issues at the start of a three-day annual meeting at the Holiday Inn on Route 132.

Michael Fry, chairman of the group and director of conservation advocacy for the American Bird Conservancy, said there are concerns about overlapping federal initiatives which cause inefficiency..

May 16, 2011

RI Fishermen Worried: Deepwater Expansion Poses New Threats

From: GoLocalProv

Chip Young, Senior Editor

Rhode Island’s fishermen are feeling betrayed over the continuing expansion of Deepwater Wind’s proposed 200-wind turbine offshore renewable energy project off the coast of Rhode Island. 

It has nothing to do with court cases and bargaining over the price per kilowatt hour that is currently drawing media attention.

Rather, the recent announcement that Deepwater hopes to be able to sell the electricity the wind turbines generate to the Long Island Power Authority adds even more to the fishing industry’s concerns that prime fishing areas off the coast will be either made inaccessible or harmfully disrupted.  

May 11, 2011

Energy saving tips and advice at Energy Expo

From: Isleofman.com

THE 2011 Energy Expo will continue today (Saturday). 

The event, organised by the Department of Economic Development, will offer people advice on saving energy and sustainable living.

Businesses, organisations and local producers will be on hand to discuss energy saving ideas.

Local producers will showcase what is available to buy locally and will explain how doing so can reduce carbon emmisions by cutting down the number of miles it takes to transport goods.

A grower’s question time will be held at 2pm for garden enthusiasts. A panel of experts will be on hand to offer tips and advice on growing your own produce.

May 4, 2011

National Business Forum on Marine Spatial Planning in U.S

World Ocean Council conference to advance industry action on ocean management

The World Ocean Council (WOC) will convene ocean industries on 13-14 July in Washington D.C. to foster and facilitate business involvement in the coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) process underway in the U.S.

The U.S. has established a National Ocean Council (NOC) that will be implementing CMSP through a series of nine regional programs. The NOC will be holding a National Workshop for government agencies to develop the government’s CMSP Strategic Action Plan in late June.