Mass. Energy Chief Pushing Wind Turbine Initiative

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts' top energy official says there will be new efforts to help developers install wind turbines and make it easier for communities to live with them.

The Cape Cod Times reports that Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard Sullivan announced the initiative Thursday.

Sullivan said increased support for communities could include technical expertise or help in offsetting the expense of meeting noise-level standards. A technical advisory group will also look at possible changes in regulations or noise policies.

Sullivan said there are lessons to be learned from successful projects and from places with problems. In Falmouth, for instance, some residents have lobbied to have two town-owned turbines dismantled, saying they're making people sick.

Sullivan said he's open to supporting a comprehensive study on the health effects of turbines.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.