Two Wampanoag tribes fighting Cape Wind on ritual/spiritual grounds

[phantom power]

Known as Cape Wind, the project is the nation’s first planned offshore wind farm and would cover 24 square miles in the sound, an area roughly the size of Manhattan. The park service decision came in response to a request from two Massachusetts Indian tribes, who said the 130 proposed wind turbines would thwart their spiritual ritual of greeting the sunrise, which requires unobstructed views across the sound, and disturb ancestral burial grounds.

The tribes — the Mashpee Wampanoag of Cape Cod and the Aquinnah Wampanoag of Martha’s Vineyard — sought the listing last fall, shortly before a final federal decision on the project was expected. The project has been in the works since 2001 and is strongly supported by Gov. Deval Patrick.

The decision by the National Park Service did not kill the Cape Wind plan, but it erected new hurdles by requiring more negotiations and, possibly, changes to the project, like moving it. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar set a deadline of March 1 for the tribes and the project’s developer, Energy Management Inc., to reach a compromise.

If they do not — a distinct possibility given the acrimony surrounding the project — Mr. Salazar can decide the project’s future himself after seeking suggestions from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, an independent group. But even if Mr. Salazar lets the project move forward, the park service finding could help the tribes and opponents build a legal case against it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/science/earth/05wind.html

[liberal N proud]

1. Someone should take the tribal leaders to see Avatar

for some inspiration.

[Vincardog]

2. I think these "tribes" are composed of OLD MONEY PTB who do not want anything obstructing "Their" vi...

[phantom power]

3. PTB = ?

[Vincardog]

4. The Mythical Powers That Be

[OnlinePoker]

6. Like your avatar

I liked Kennedy on most points, but his opposition to this project was a mistake.

[TheCowsCameHome]

5. Their grandiose casino plans are falling apart.

Now their focusing on stopping the wind farm.

[OKIsItJustMe]

7. See Also

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=115&topic_id=224500&mesg_id=224530

[muriel_volestrangler]

8. They practise(d) burial at sea?

That's unusual. Anyone know more about this?