Cape Wind project gets favorable government review

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The controversial Cape Wind energy project off the Massachusetts coast would have little negative impact on the environment, the U.S. Interior Department's Minerals Management Service said on Friday.

The agency's final environmental review of the project, which will be open for public inspection for 30 days, was a major hurdle for Cape Wind to clear. However, it will be up to the incoming Obama administration to decide whether the project gets final government approval, said MMS spokesman Dave Smith.

"After 30 days, a record of decision can be issued. It does no have to be issued after 30 days, but it can be...depending on how the next administration wants to go forward," Smith said.

He said the MMS found the environmental impacts of the project "are expected to be mostly negligible or minor."

Cape Wind would consist of 130 wind turbines over 24 square miles (62 sq km) in Nantucket Sound, within view of the popular Cape Cod resort region of Massachusetts. The project would meet the energy needs of 400,000 homes.

The turbines would stand about 440 feet from the surface of the water to the tip of the blade.

Opponents to the project, including some Massachusetts politicians with homes on nearby Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, argue the wind turbines could threaten the area's lucrative tourist industry.

Environmentalists are also worried the wind turbines would disrupt the patterns of migratory birds and harm local sea life. Area fisherman are wary about navigating their boats and drag-nets near the project.

Privately-held Cape Wind Associates LLC says the project would cost about $1 billion.

(Reporting by Tom Doggett; Editing by Marguerita Choy)