Judge Denies Intervenor Status to Block Island Wind Project Opponents

A Superior Court judge has ruled against Block Island offshore wind project’s opponents, who were trying to get legal intervenor status in the state permitting process for the project, writes the Providence Journal.

Judge Michael A. Silverstein said that these individuals “may participate as other members of the public,” but will not be able to cross-examine witnesses during hearings before the council, the lead state permitting agency for the project, and present evidence.

Five individuals with homes on Block Island and Narragansett oppose this wind energy project as it will lower the value of their properties.

Namely, Deepwater Wind plans to develop a 30MW Block Island Wind Farm approximately three miles southeast of Block Island. The wind farm will be located entirely in Rhode Island state waters. The wind farm, consisting of 5 turbines, will generate over 125,000 megawatt hours annually, enough to power over 17,000 homes.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, October 4, 2013; Image: dwwind