PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island regulators are giving an energy company more time to reach an agreement with fishermen over a proposed 800-megawatt wind farm off Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Providence Journal reports that the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council agreed to postpone its decision to grant a “consistency certification” for Vineyard Wind until the end of January.
The delay follows the Fishermen’s Advisory Board’s denial of support for the project.
Fishermen fear the project’s 84 turbines will close lucrative commercial fishing grounds.
Even though the project would supply power to Massachusetts and be located in federal waters, Rhode Island has some jurisdiction.
If Rhode Island denies certification, Vineyard Wind could appeal to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Vineyard Wind CEO Lars Pedersen believes the company can work out an agreement.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com
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