Renewable Energy and Cultural Resource Protection

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

Being excited about the proposed solar and wind power development is a good thing. Some of us waited our entire lives for the high level priority the renewable energy field is given now - from the President to new businesses. In some ways, it is akin to the discovery of gold and the accompanying rush - but what price is the American public paying for this rush? My career has been in preservation of cultural - I never thought I would see two of my value systems come crashing head to head. But that is exactly what happened in Cape Wind. Could it have been avoided? Yes, I think so. After nine years of environmental analysis, the tribes voiced their position late in the environmental analysis. There are a number of reasons as to why the situation unfolded as it did - ultimately ending with the Secretary of Interior's approval of our nation's first offshore wind farm. MMS did an adequate job of meeting, consulting and discussing the project with interested tribes. By the time the tribes stepped forward to voice their positions, the animated public and special interest groups opposing the project were well entrenched in the media, the Internet and other public forums. Too much publicity and politics for anyone participating in the legally mandated consultation process to be clear-headed about the cultural resource issues and the tribes' assertion of the significance of Nantucket Sound. The time for analysis of the cultural issues was nine years ago when the specific area was selected and proposed for offshore wind development.

Native American Sacred Lands

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

If you are interested in learning about how to consult and protect Native American sacred areas under federal law, then join me in Seattle on April 28 & 29, 2010. Explore what is effective, how to produce better results in consulting with the federal land managing agencies and asserting your opinions into the legal framework.
to register, contact npi.org

NEPA & NHPA In Seattle, April 26 -27, 2010

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

National Preservation Institute is offering a class in NEPA in downtown Seattle, within walking distance of Pike Street Market and Pioneer Square. Learn how to navigate the NEPA process and Section 106 of the NHPA for renewable energy projects. Recommendations for expediting both processes and take advantage of federal stimulus money.
to register, go to npi.org