WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is getting involved with the proposed wind turbine project in Somerset County.
According to Democratic Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5), the Department of Defense (DoD) formally objected to building 25 wind turbines in the Westover area in a letter on Thursday.
Congressman Hoyer addressed why the DoD is against the project on Thursday.
“Today the Department of Defense objected to the proposed Great Bay Wind project on the grounds that it poses a significant threat to the mission and world-class stealth radar system at Patuxent River Naval Air Station,” Congressman Hoyer said. “This is a critical development in our efforts to protect Pax River and the 22,000 jobs it supports.”
Earlier this week, Somerset County's Planning and Zoning Commission approved final recommendations for the project in a vote 3-1. Members of the commission agreed to increase the height restriction for the turbines from 400 ft to 575 ft.
Pioneer Green, based in Texas, is behind the wind turbine project.
Supporters say the turbines need to be higher to capture more wind. Those opposed say the turbines will be too loud, and as stated by Congressman Hoyer, will conflict with Pax River's radar system.
Congressman Hoyer supports the DoD's objection to the project.
“Delegate John Bohanan and I were confident that once the project was fully reviewed by the Department of Defense, after consultation with various service branches that utilize Pax River, this would be the outcome.,” he said. “It was the right decision, and I applaud the Department of Defense leadership for recognizing the threat this project poses to a critical national security asset.”
To read the formal letter written by the DoD, click here.
