An interesting opinion by Mr. Hancock. I don't know that he speaks for all Marylanders. The Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket examples certainly are interesting, but comparing those situations to the one being proposed is a bit of a stretch. A very similar proposal is under consideration in Delaware and the public is quite receptive to the idea. University of Delaware scientists found that the overwhelming majority of residents--even those living on the coast--support offshore wind power. See http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2008/sep/wind092107.html.

Mr. Hancock wrote, "But nobody wants to see new energy assets anywhere close to their neighborhood or their friends' neighborhoods." On the contrary, it appears that a lot of "nobodys" are ready to move forward with clean alternative energy.

Not only do I approve of the wind farm, but I'll be obtaining my own personal wind turbine for my home as soon as it's feasible.

Do the opponents think that windmills are ugly eyesores? These are graceful, streamlined versions of that Holland cliche. I think they're quite pretty - and when you add their function to the mix they look even more attractive.

GO WIND!

People (wealthy waterfront property owners in particular) require an attitude adjustment about looking at "windmills." These same objects are beautifully pastoral in old oil paintings and while I'm sure the new ones will be sleekly modern, what would be so bad about that? Americans are too given to freedom of choice these days. We NEED what is described in your article and I do not think they would offend the eye looking out towards the sea, ships, etc.

this windmilll look like American troops home with their families to me. Bring them on.

It's almost a shame they will be so small. I think watching them would be entrancing--almost as hypnotic as the waves themselves.
Maybe they could be built with an eye towards creating sailboat slalom races. How cool would that be?!

We stay at the Lankford on the Boardwalk every summer and I have absolutely NO objection to the wind farms. We need energy that is no dependent on limited resources and on other countries. The more the better as far as I'm concerned. If you want to see these in action, there is a windfarm just off the PA turnpike; I think it's somwhere around the Somerset area. Of course, the other objection that will be raised is that it will hurt the birds. Of course, we all know the seagulls are an endangered species in OC... Sorry, don't mean to sound flippant about it.

Why not just paint them blue? they would blend right in and most people would never know they are there. Or, put them 20 miles out instead of 12 - would that really make a difference?

It is interesting how many people don't remember the uproar over the wind farms in Western MD, which is still going on. There are environmentalists who are more worried about the effects of turbines on bats and birds than the consequences of not finding alternate sources of energy. I present a link to read for information on the resistance to wind farms:

http://www.windaction.org/news/c81/

I think that the truth is in the center. Some favor, but some don't want them. Human nature is a constant, it seems.

We also have the example of another form of alternative energy, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. It has delivered cheap electricity and has proven that this can be accomplished safely. Maybe the time has come for us to change some attitudes on these newer sources of power.

I believe Mr. Hancock is way off base on this one. I do not forsee any reasonable person objecting to this plan - in fact, as evidenced by some of the previous comments, I think the universal reaction will be "What took them so long?" Looks like just another meainingless way to attack the progressive members of our society ("tree-hugging Kennedys" indeed!)

I don't know whether the statement that "The only ones who disagree are some environmentalists who would like society to freeze energy consumption or cut back to the levels of years ago, which would involve economic hardship, increases in the poverty rate etc." was meant to be purposely provocative or whether it represents a misunderstanding of "some environmentalists".

There's solid evidence that a great deal of energy consumption can be conserved through efficiency (and demand management), and that a "freeze" wouldn't cause hardship at all. In fact, the Governor's 15% (per capita) reduction by 2015 is more aggressive than a "freeze" at current levels.

I saw sleek, modern windmills in action just over a year ago while traveling through some West Virginia mountains. They were beautiful and quiet, all lined up in a row. I have to think that Marylander will, for the most part, agree that windmills are a viable option for our future energy consumption. Like Mobtown Matt said, "Go Wind!"

As long as Constellation Energy doesn't have a part in this project I'm all for it!

The problem with windmill power, or any of the other energy-conserving technologies, is that even if they conserve resources, they don't save the consumer any money. Like the Bay Bridge, solar power, wind energy, and some types of hydro energy systems are almost free after a period of initial investment, but the people bound to use them never see the rates go down. I'm tired of the liberal elite affluent types trying to shove 'green' solutions down my throat when I struggle to pay the rent, and I also don't want the new generation of energy sources to also spawn a new generation of corporate profits and multi-million dollar bonuses for their pampered executives (ie. the Mayo Shattucks of the world).

I think it's a great idea. We need more sources of clean energy and nothing better than natural resources. Europe has a huge advantage over the rest of the world in this issue, especially Holland. It works for them, why wouldn't it work for us. Besides, they are beautiful and nostalgic, I think is a great addition to the gorgeous beaches in OC.

It's funny how much protest there has been over building windmills, and how much public opinion plays into building them or not. When the country needs power plants, roads, bridges, power right aways they are built and that is that. Why the extra concern over clean energy producers? How many studies of natural habitat were done before creating coal strip mines? The mines were needed, and built. More birds will die from oil spills and other pollution then striking a windmill. We need them...so build them!

This is a great idea. Ocean City as expensive and overcrowded as it has become can be at the forefront in going green. If this creates local jobs then it is an added benefit. As long as they aren't drilling for oil, I have no problems visiting this vacation spot!