Hijjah 18, 1431, Nov 24, 2010, SPA -- The Obama administration pledged Tuesday to accelerate offshore wind projects in the Atlantic Ocean by expediting permits and identifying promising areas for wind-generated power. In a speech in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said he will implement a "smart permitting process" that could result in leases issued within two years, instead of seven years or more. Salazar and developers of the country's first offshore wind farm signed a lease last month launching the 130-turbine Cape Wind project off the Massachusetts coast, following an eight-year federal government review. "The Cape Wind lease is a historic milestone in America's renewable energy future, but to fully harness the economic and energy benefits of our nation's vast Atlantic wind potential, we need to implement a smart permitting process that is efficient, thorough, and unburdened by needless [bureaucracy]," Salazar said. The interior chief said he and other federal officials will work with governors in 11 Atlantic coast states to identify promising areas for wind development. If no serious problems are identified, leases could be issued in late 2011 or early 2012, he said. Salazar said he hopes to pursue offshore wind power along the Atlantic coast in the same way officials are promoting solar power in the southwestern United States. "If we are wise with our planning, we can help build a robust and environmentally responsible offshore renewable energy program that creates jobs here at home," he said.
