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The
NewsRoom
Release: #3439
Date: May 30, 2006
MMS to Prepare
Environmental Impact Statement for
Proposed Cape Wind Energy Project
WASHINGTON – The Minerals Management Service (MMS)
today published a
Federal Register notice
(2 pages) announcing plans to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Cape Wind
Energy Project in Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts. The notice also
asks for public input via written comments and invites interested
agencies to participate in the preparation of the EIS as it moves
through the official approval process.
“This marks the beginning of a new era of offshore
energy oversight for the Interior Department,” said MMS Director
Johnnie Burton. “Cape Wind is the first renewable energy project MMS
is reviewing under our new authority in the Energy Policy Act. We
encourage participation and feedback from the public and
stakeholders.”
The Energy Policy Act of 2005, signed last August,
granted authority to the Interior Department to manage renewable
energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and gave the MMS
primary responsibility for the environmental analysis and regulatory
oversight of such projects, including the proposed Cape Wind Project.
MMS will accept written comments for 45 days.
Comments may be submitted to MMS electronically through the
Public
Connect or
may be mailed to:
Comments on the Notice of Intent to Prepare an
EIS on the Cape Wind Project
Minerals Management Service
381 Elden Street
MS 4042
Herndon VA, 20164
The 45 day comment period ends July 14, 2006. The
MMS will review public comments and prepare a draft EIS, which is
expected to be published in the winter of 2006 and will be followed by
public hearings. MMS plans to issue a final EIS in the fall of 2007. A
record of decision on the Cape Wind Project is expected in winter
2007.
Relevant Web
Site:
MMS Main Website
Media Contact:
Nicolette Nye 703/787-1011
MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for
America
U.S. Department of the Interior
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