Status

Status

Although we have successfully defeated Cape Wind, Nantucket Sound still remains open to industrial development. While the state waters of the Sound, which extend three miles from shore, are protected under Massachusetts law, the federal waters in the center remain vulnerable.

Federal waters within Nantucket Sound

The Alliance is seeking federal legislation and taking other actions to recognize the Sound’s significant historic, environmental, and economic values and to prohibit future industrial development. The Alliance has proposed the “Nantucket Sound National Historic Landmark Act”, which is supported by the Governor of Massachusetts, the Cape Cod delegation, over 25 tribal groups, 17 fishing and boating entities, 11 historic preservation groups, 11 environmental organizations, 9 Cape and Islands municipalities, 7 chambers of commerce, 10 other stakeholders, and countless individuals. You can read more about our stakeholders here. We are working towards having this legislation enacted in the near future as we continue to build support.

Working alongside this strong coalition, the Alliance is the only group fighting to secure permanent protection for Nantucket Sound. The Alliance’s goal is to protect this national treasure for future generations, promote the value of Nantucket Sound to our region, and provide a more certain tomorrow for all who value this unique body of water. Click here to join us in these efforts

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Q&A with Audra Parker, President & CEO, December 2019

Looking back on 2019, we should all feel a strong sense of accomplishment. Together, we defeated Cape Wind and have made great strides in our mission to permanently protect Nantucket Sound. But, we need your continued support to leave a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren. I encourage you to contribute as generously as possible to our preservation campaign. Nantucket Sound won’t stay a national treasure without your support.

Why is Nantucket Sound a national treasure? The Sound has a rich tribal and maritime history and has long been recognized as more than just a body of water. It is the heart and soul of the Cape and Islands. It is a significant marine habitat for a diversity of ecologically and economically important species. It provides a livelihood for local fishermen, an inspiration for artists, and is a source of solace, relaxation, and recreation for the millions that flock to its shores. Nantucket Sound connects all of us who live and visit here.

Why is Nantucket Sound still vulnerable to industrialization? While the state waters of the Sound are protected under Massachusetts law, the federal waters in the center remain open to industrial development. Cape Wind tried to exploit this unique geography. We need to make sure that no other developer follows suit, especially as ocean-based technologies continue to progress.

How can we permanently protect Nantucket Sound? The best way to secure permanent protection for the Sound is through federal legislation. The Alliance has proposed the ‘Nantucket Sound National Historic Landmark Act’ which would recognize the Sound’s historic, environmental and economic values. It would also prevent future development by prohibiting industrial projects in the Sound.

What have we achieved since the defeat of Cape Wind? We made solid progress toward enacting this federal legislation. We worked closely with our federal delegation and built a strong and diverse coalition of support. We earned endorsements from Governor Baker, our local representatives and over 75 key stakeholder groups. This coalition of elected officials, environmental groups, municipalities, tribal governments, historic preservation groups, commercial fishermen, and many others, is urging our representatives in Washington, D.C. to enact the Nantucket Sound National Historic Landmark Act.

Why does the Alliance still need funding? The Alliance is the only group that is fighting to protect Nantucket Sound. As a non-profit, we rely solely on private donations. This year, our goal is to raise $1.5 million for lobbying, staff, and legal counsel to back our legislative effort. Thank you for your continued generosity as we work to Save Our Sound… FOREVER. Your tax-deductible donation today will leave a legacy for tomorrow.

Audra Parker
President and CEO