Weather & Science

US Ignored Own Scientists' Warning in Backing Atlantic Wind Farm

The recommendation underscores a potential environmental tradeoff of the coming offshore wind boom along the US East Coast.

A lift boat used for South Fork Wind farm construction near Wainscott, New York.

Photographer: Johnny Milano/Bloomberg
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US government scientists warned federal regulators the South Fork offshore wind farm near the Rhode Island coast threatened the Southern New England Cod, a species so ingrained in regional lore that a wooden carving of it hangs in the Massachusetts state house.

The Interior Department approved the project anyway.