Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said he will stick to his plan to make a decision in April on the controversial Cape Wind energy project in Massachusetts.

Salazar said the developers, two tribes and other interested parties were unable to reach a compromise by March 1. So he asked the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for its opinion on the matter.

The council has 45 days to respond and will presumably take into account tribal views on the issue. But Salazar doesn't have to accept the opinion.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe say the 440-foot turbines that are part of the project will block their view of the sun and disrupt burial grounds and archaeological sites at Nantucket Sound. The sound was dry land that was occupied by Wampanoag ancestors.

Citing the tribal aspect, the National Park Service said Nantucket Sound should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation requires the tribes to be consulted about actions that affect the site.

Get the Story:
Decision time for Salazar on Cape Wind (The Cape Cod Times 3/2)
Cape Wind ruling held up for historical review (The Boston Herald 3/2)
Mass. wind farm project sent to preservation panel (AP 3/2)

Relevant Documents:
Secretary Salazar Letter | Press Release

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