To the Point
A Boost for Clean Energy, but What's the Ultimate Cost?
After nine years of divisive argument, the Obama Administration has approved America’s first off-shore wind farm in the waters off Cape Cod. Supporters hail a new, green industry. Opponents say the cost is destruction of a national treasure: Nantucket Sound. Also, the US Coast Guard tries to burn the oil spill nearing land, and the US Supreme Court and the separation of church and state.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenAfter nine years of divisive argument, the Obama Administration has approved America’s first off-shore wind farm in the waters off Cape Cod. Supporters hail a new, green industry. Opponents say the cost is destruction of a national treasure: Nantucket Sound. Also, the US Coast Guard tries to burn the oil spill nearing land, and a commemorative cross stands on federal land in California's Mojave Desert. Is it a government endorsement of religion? We hear about the US Supreme Court's first church-and-state decision since John Roberts became Chief Justice.
Banner image: Image of cable laying vessel from Delaware Offshore Wind Park project overview
In this episode
3 storiesUS Coast Guard Tries to Burn Oil Spill Nearing Land
The massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico is now 600 miles in circumference and growing fast. It's a consequence of last week's blowout and fire on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig. The latest plan to keep it from washing ashore is…burning it off. Brett Clanton reports for the Houston Chronicle .
Read the story7 minWindmills off the Coast of Cape Cod?
The Obama Interior Department has approved America's first offshore wind-energy project, in shallow waters six miles from Cape Cod and 10 miles from Martha's Vineyard. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar made the announcement today in Boston. Cape Wind now has the federal go-ahead to build 130 wind turbines 440 feet tall.
Read the story37 minSupreme Court Says Mojave Cross Can Stand
Since 1934, a cross honoring World War I soldiers has stood on federally owned land in California's Mojave Desert. For years it's been tied up in litigation over the issue of separating church and state. A federal court ruled that the National Park Service should remove the cross because it amounted to a government endorsement of religion.
Read the story7 min
