Patrick says Healey is blocking state's renewable energy growth

Patrick calls on Lt. Governor to Stop Blocking Cape Wind

Democratic candidate for Governor Deval Patrick called on Lt. Governor Kerry Healey yesterday to listen to energy experts in her own administration and drop her opposition to Cape Wind.

“If we get Cape Wind right, Massachusetts can incubate a new industry and become a world leader in renewable energy�

Patrick said, “Opposing Cape Wind after all the preliminary environmental reviews say, on balance, it would be good for our state is just the kind of politics as usual voters are tired of. Cape Wind will mean cleaner air and more jobs from clean industry,� Patrick said. “If we get Cape Wind right, Massachusetts can incubate a new industry and become a world leader in renewable energy.�

Deval Patrick, the Democratic candidate for Governor, made his remarks in Marlboro after touring the Evergreen Solar Company accompanied by Congressman James McGovern. Evergreen Solar is a manufacturing company that makes solar cells and innovative solar “ribbons� that are targeted toward the residential energy market.

Patrick's challenge came on the same week that Selectmen in Aquinnah on Martha's Vineyard voted to require all new homes in the town larger than 2,100 square feet to have solar panels or wind turbines as part of their construction.

Patrick went on to say, “High gas prices and looming home heating costs are hurting families and our state’s economy. Massachusetts can be a leader in the clean solar, wind and hydrogen power industries, but not if we continue the politics as usual policies of the Kerry/Healey administration which has tried to block one of the biggest renewable energy projects in the country.�

Last October 16 Deval Patrick endorsed Cape Wind in Hull in front of that town's wind turbine. Jack Coleman photo

Cites his early support

Patrick made a point of his being the first candidate to publicly support Cape Wind a year ago, “I’m proud to be the first candidate for Governor to support of Cape Wind.  Before I took my position, I talked to all sides.  I read the Draft Environmental Impact Report. I carefully weighed the pros and cons.  Compare that approach with Kerry."

Last year Gov. Romney’s Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board concluded Cape Wind would provide Massachusetts with significant air quality benefits and would reduce the cost of energy.  The Romney/Healey Energy Commissioner has even stated that Cape Wind would reduce the cost of the Massachusetts program to encourage renewable energy development.