HYANNIS – More than seven months after Cape Wind surrendered their lease to 46 square miles in Nantucket Sound, the company’s chief opposition group continues to fight to ensure that the sound remains protected.
Officials with the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound have been hard at work promoting an effort which would designate Nantucket Sound as an historic landmark – thus protecting it from future development.
“Today, we continue to fight for permanent preservation of this natural treasure for our children and grandchildren. And we are not alone.” said Alliance President and CEO Audra Parker.
“Our supporters include environmentalists, commercial fishermen, Native American tribes, municipalities, businesses, and homeowners.”
The proposal recently received support from the Board of Selectmen in Mashpee, which voted unanimously earlier this month to get behind the plan.
They join select boards Yarmouth, Chatham, and on Nantucket who have done the same.
A letter is also presently being circulated to the region’s legislative delegation informing them of the proposal and requesting support.
“We fully support protection for the historic, environmental, cultural and tribal resources of Nantucket Sound while allowing for continued fishing activities and other ecologically and economically sustainable uses of the marine environments,” the letter states, “including the siting of electrical transmission infrastructure from responsibly-sited clean energy projects.”
With more than two dozen signatories, Parker said the plan has received near universal support.
Proponents include members of the region’s business community, environmental advocates, boaters and fishermen, local governmental officials, members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, and many more.