What is the Cuttyhunk Test Range Project?

It's a proposed marine renewable energy test site in Vineyard Sound about 2,000 feet south of Cuttyhunk Island to study feasibility.

Does this permit allow construction of turbines?

No — a preliminary permit only grants priority to study and later file a license; it does not authorize construction.

How can I comment or intervene in the FERC process?

FERC solicits comments, motions to intervene, and competing applications as part of the accepted filing; follow instructions in the FERC notice to file.

Public Hearing — Gosnold

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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission accepted a preliminary permit application from Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative of New England to study a tidal/wave test site about 2,000 feet south of Cuttyhunk Island in Vineyard Sound, soliciting public comments, interventions, and competing applications. The permit would give study priority but does not authorize construction.

Key Takeaways

Preliminary permit filed for Cuttyhunk Test Range in Vineyard Sound
Location: ~2,000 feet off Cuttyhunk Island, Gosnold, MA
FERC seeks comments, motions to intervene, competing apps
Permit grants priority to later file a license application
Application accepted for filing on April 29, 2026

Published: May 15, 2026 · 6 days ago
Category: Public Hearing
City: Gosnold

What to do next

1
Review the FERC notice
Read the full April 29, 2026 FERC notice for filing instructions, deadlines, and docket number for comments.
2
Submit comments or motions to intervene
File comments or a motion to intervene with FERC by the deadlines specified in the notice to participate in the proceeding.
3
Monitor project filings
Track future filings and any license application by the permit holder to evaluate impacts on local waters and resources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cuttyhunk Test Range Project?: It's a proposed marine renewable energy test site in Vineyard Sound about 2,000 feet south of Cuttyhunk Island to study feasibility.
Does this permit allow construction of turbines?: No — a preliminary permit only grants priority to study and later file a license; it does not authorize construction.
How can I comment or intervene in the FERC process?: FERC solicits comments, motions to intervene, and competing applications as part of the accepted filing; follow instructions in the FERC notice to file.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

preliminary permit: A short-term permit giving priority to apply for a license to study a hydro/renewable project, not construction rights.
license application: A formal request to FERC seeking authorization to build and operate a hydro or marine energy project.
motions to intervene: Formal requests by parties to become participants with rights to file evidence and arguments in the proceeding.

Full Notice Text

UNITED STATES OF AMERICAFEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORYCOMMISSIONMARINE RENEWABLE ENERGYCOLLABORATIVEOF NEW ENGLAND, INC.PROJECT NO. 15426-000NOTICE OF PRELIMINARY PERMITAPPLICATION ACCEPTED FOR FILINGAND SOLICITING COMMENTS,MOTIONS TO INTERVENE, ANDCOMPETING APPLICATIONS(APRIL 29, 2026)On April 3, 2026, Marine RenewableEnergy Collaborative of New England, Inc.,filed an application for a preliminary permit,pursuant to section 4(f) of the FederalPower Act, proposing to study the feasibil-ity of the Cuttyhunk Test Range Project(Cuttyhunk Project or project), to be loc-ated in Vineyard Sound, approximately2,000 feet off the south coast of CuttyhunkIsland, near the Town of Gosnold, DukesCounty, Massachusetts. The sole purposeof a preliminary permit, if issued, is to grantthe permit holder priority to file a license ap-plication during the per