USA: Texas Offshore Wind Project Raises Concerns

Environment

USA: Texas Offshore Wind Project Raises Concerns

The proposed offshore wind project near South Padre Island in the Gulf of Mexico has raised some questions over its possible impact on Texas wildlife and landscape, the San Antonio Express news reports.

Though the project could supply millions of people with electricity, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has some concerns that it would have a negative effect on Texas’ landscape, harm endangered species and limit fishing.

Furthermore, the American Bird Conservancy said that the offshore wind turbines would be positioned in the middle of one of the most important migratory flyways in the Western Hemisphere.

Currently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dealing with the evaluation of the proposed project in order to decide whether it should approve the construction.

The offshore wind project comprises 300 wind turbines with blades long 280 feet (about 85.34metres).

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, July 30, 2012; Image: EERE