Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar says the future of wind energy in the U.S. does not hang on his decision about a Massachusetts project.

Salazar toured the proposed site in Nantucket Sound on Tuesday. It could be the first offshore project in the country. He says he's "bullish" on wind energy and wants to ensure projects are at appropriate sites.

Salazar says questions remain after eight years of review.

The secretary also met Tuesday with leaders of two Indian tribes opposed to the wind farm they say would interfere with their sacred rituals and ancient burial sites.

Developers have proposed erecting 130 turbines, each more than 400 feet tall, over 25 square miles of federal waters. Supporters say the project will provide cheaper energy and reduce pollution.