"A pioneering proposal to build a wind power transmission line on the ocean floor from southern Virginia to northern New Jersey cleared a hurdle on Monday when the Interior Department opened the way for the project’s sponsors to start work on an environmental impact statement."
"The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, part of the Interior Department, said that no competitor had emerged for the right-of-way for the proposed transmission line, known as the Atlantic Wind Connection, allowing the bureau to issue a “determination of no competitive interest.” By linking wind farms 15 to 20 miles off the coast, the backbone would greatly reduce the number of individual radial lines needed to bring the energy to shore.
David J. Hayes, the deputy secretary of the Interior, said in a statement that the Interior Department was “moving ahead to responsibly evaluate and expedite appropriate projects.” In a conference call with reporters, he said his department could issue its first permit for a wind farm by the end of the year."
Matthew L. Wald reports for the New York Times' Green blog May 14, 2012.
