The Cape Cod Times reported here that the Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope announced support for the Cape Wind offshore wind project. Moreover, not only did Pope support the project, he had harsh words for its opponents:
Pope told Cape Cod Today, “This is a good project, and as long as it is built within the guidelines being developed by the ongoing process, we will support it.” Pope reserved his harshest criticism of organizations and individuals he intimated are fronting for interests who do not want wind energy to become a significant part of America’s future energy mix. “We have been very opposed to efforts to hijack the process and derail this project by people opposed to wind power,” the Sierra Club Executive Director said. “Some of the backers of these efforts have reasons other than ‘their view’ to oppose a project like this coming online.” Pope was referring to major funding sources and key directors of the Alliance to Project Nantucket Sound, who have extensive holdings in established energy related industries.
Marine renewables won’t succeed without the support of all stakeholders. Carl Pope’s comments show that the Sierra Club takes global warming seriously enough that it stands ready to explore new solutions.