Obviously, such regulations will have a big impact on future planning for large scale wind-farms. More immediately, the passing of the Coast Guard Reauthorization bill with this language in it will shut down Cape Wind, which has received a lot of press due to the fact that Robert Kennedy, Jr (an NRDC lawyer) has opposed the project on the grounds that it will muck up the view of his precious Nantucket Sound. Yet, Grist reports that even Kennedy isn't stupid enough to support Young's proposal (I guess under the assumption that he'll get people to oppose Cape Wind while promoting wind power in other people's backyards). On the other hand, the Boston Globe is speculating that Young's amendment is a direct result of lobbying on behalf of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, "which spent more than $800,000 over 3 1/2 years on federal lobbying against the project."

Considering that Don Young of Alaska doesn't seem to have an immediate stake in this issue, and it's not often that lawmakers think about potential future impact when formulating policy, it seems plausible that lobbyists have gotten to him. Projects like Cape Wind are important, and I think that anyone who is serious about developing alternative energy must weigh need over aesthetics (which does seem to be the predominant concern in the case of Cape Wind). Here's what the Cape Wind people have to say:

After four years of favorable regulatory review showing the project would lower energy costs, reduce air pollution and help wean the New England region off its dependence on imported oil and natural gas, Cape Wind's future is now threatened because of Alaska Congressman Don Young's backdoor attempt to kill America's first offshore wind farm.

Rep. Young's effort would also delay progress on the development of any other offshore wind proposals, causing the American renewable energy industry to fall further behind its foreign competitors.

If the Young Amendment were to pass it would deny New England the many benefits of the Cape Wind project including cleaner air, lower energy costs, increased energy independence, and more.

If you're not too jaded about the political process in the US, it's worth sending off the Greenpeace letter to Congress.