NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (AP) - A proposal to build an 800-megawatt wind farm off Rhode Island and Massachusetts has suffered a setback with denial of support from a key fishermen’s group.
The Fishermen’s Advisory Board, which advises the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, voted unanimously Monday to deny its support out of fear that the layout of the project’s 84 wind turbines would close valuable commercial fishing grounds.
Vineyard Wind’s $2 billion proposal now goes before the council on Nov. 27.
Even though the project would supply power to Massachusetts and be located in federal waters, the state has some measure of jurisdiction.
If Rhode Island denies certification, Vineyard Wind could appeal to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Vineyard Wind CEO Lars Pedersen says the company thinks fishing and offshore wind can coexist.
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