Senate deal threatens Cape Wind

More on yesterday's developments in this story in today's Boston Globe -

The question all are asking - why did Gordon Smith, at right, a moderate Oregon Republican considered an advocate of renewable energy, switch his vote and decide to support the Stevens language?

From Stephanie Ebbert's story in the Globe -

"Environmental advocates said Smith had opposed the provision; one advocate provided the Globe with an e-mail from a Smith staff member expressing his opposition.

"Smith's press secretary, R.C. Hammond, said he had objected to the provision because he believed the issue was already addressed in last year's energy bill, and he wanted to end the impasse over the Coast Guard bill.

'' 'The senator wanted to see the bill moved forward and didn't want to scuttle a bill that had benefits for Oregon,' Hammond said.

"Smith's change confused environmental advocates who consider him a friend to their issues and who cited the potential for wind power in his own state.

'' 'He's very moderate and very supportive of wind," said Jaime Steve of the American Wind Energy Association. ''He's got a large amount of wind development in the state. He's been incredibly supportive of the wind energy production tax credit, which is vital to the industry. He's a longtime friend and supporter."