Wind Power to the Offshore Northeast

In a recent NYT article about wind power, it appears that the coastal states may be on the verge of capitulating to the idea of wind power.  While wind power is no stranger to Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and other interior states, where there are 50,000 turbines; it has been to the coastal states. In October, the wind turbines will begin to operate off of Block Island.  It will be small by European standards; 5 turbines versus 300 turbines.  The 5 turbines will power 17,000 homes.  This is an important development because there was a previous attempt off Cape Cod - a project of 130 turbines.  Those with views of that potential area fought it vigorously, until the project was withdrawn. That was a decade ago.  What a difference 10 years makes.  Offshore prices are falling, but they are still more expensive than those in Europe.  They have developed the ship technology and other technologies to raise the pylons in water.  That being said, this may the beginning of offshore wind power projects. 

The US energy strategy has been too politicized.  Each geographic area of the United States has its own unique energy capability.  The Pacific Northwest has hydropower.  The Southwest has solar. The North Central has wind and South Central has wind and solar.  The Rockies have solar and geothermal.  The South has solar.  Natural gas is everywhere in the US.  Shhh, we also have nuclear power available everywhere in the US.  The Northeast now can have wind to add to the nuclear and natural gas (piped in).  That sounds like a progressive energy policy, with a low carbon footprint.