Public commenter raises questions about Vineyard Wind mitigation and upcoming offshore drilling plans

During the public comment period on March 26, resident George Ellis asked the Select Board for an update on the town’s negotiations with Vineyard Wind and raised concerns about upcoming offshore drilling.

Ellis said the town agreed in 2020 to accept $34.4 million over 45 years from Vineyard Wind as mitigation for the planned 84 offshore turbines and cited a February 2023 estimate from the town’s special legal counsel that the offshore wind project could cost the town $815 million in tourism losses over 30 years. He said that estimate did not include reductions in property values or inflation.

Ellis asked where the town stands on negotiating additional financial compensation in light of the 2024 turbine blade collapse and the ongoing environmental impacts he described. He also noted a news report stating new offshore drilling to assess water resources was set to begin May 1 and asked whether the Select Board had reviewed the permits to ensure there would be no additional harm to Nantucket beaches, marine life and endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale.

Town officials did not provide a substantive response during the public-comment slot recorded in the transcript; the comment concluded with the speaker thanking the board.

Ending: The public comment raises questions about mitigation and permitting that the transcript does not show the board addressing during that meeting; follow-up from staff or legal counsel would be required to report the town’s position or any permit review status.