Beaton: Let courts decide Cape Wind future
The Baker administration will not try to influence the outcome of the legal process surrounding the Cape Wind project, according to Gov. Charlie Baker's new top energy aide.
Energy and Environment Secretary Matthew Beaton told the News Service shortly after being sworn in by Baker that the administration will "let
the courts and the legal system determine the best path forward." After the issue is legally decided, Beaton said Baker's team will determine whether there is a role for the governor's office to play in Cape Wind's fate.
Earlier this week, Northeast Utilities and National Grid pulled their power purchasing commitments for the offshore wind project in what project opponents called a "near fatal blow" for the energy plan.
Former Gov. Deval Patrick, a major supporter of Cape Wind, said he didn't know if the project would move forward.
In a statement on why the company had pulled its commitment to buy the wind-generated power, Northeast Utilities said Cape Wind had missed contract deadlines to secure financing and to begin construction before the end of last year. Cape Wind officials said in a statement they do not regard the companies' contract terminations as valid due to contractual language allowing for extended deadlines.
Beaton said the potential demise of Cape Wind would not alter Baker's own clean energy plans.
"Our goal is to continue to make Massachusetts a leader in renewable clean energy and energy efficiency but all at the same time figure out the most cost effective way to meet our statutory requirements and our goals as a Commonwealth," said Beaton, a former Shrewsbury state representative and environmental engineer.
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