U.S moves massive wind farm plan forward

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WASHINGTON, Conn., July 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says environmental reviews for major wind energy initiatives in Wyoming, Rhode Island and Massachusetts are completed.

They are now subject to public comment and final review.

The proposed wind power complex in Wyoming would generate up to 3,000 megawatts of power, making it the largest wind farm facility in the United States and one of the largest in the world.

The Chokecherry and Sierra Madre wind farm would contain up to 1,000 turbines and generate enough power for up to 1 million homes. The project would be built on public, private and state land in Carbon County, Wyo.

"Wyoming has incredible wind resources and this proposed wind energy project has potential to generate jobs and bring a record amount of clean power to market throughout the West, acting Bureau of Land Management Director Mike Pool said in a statement.

On the East Coast, the environmental assessment for the Rhode Island/Massachusetts Wind Energy Area that covers approximately 164,750 acres will be discussed publicly by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management July 16-17.

"This environmental assessment is the first of its kind in the northeast and is based on thorough scientific and technical analysis and substantial stakeholder input to identify the most suitable location for commercial wind energy activities in this area offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts," BOEM Director Tommy Beaudreau said. "We will continue to seek public participation in our process, including comments on this environmental assessment as we move forward with an innovative, targeted leasing approach to offshore wind."