The nation took a potential step closer to a clean energy future this week with the approval of a major offshore wind farm in Massachusetts that would become the first of its kind in the nation.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar traveled to the state on Wednesday to announce final government approval of the project, which will place dozens of 400-foot tall wind turbines in waters off the shore of Cape Cod.

The news is even more significant when considering the nearly decade-long legal battle that had held up approval. Opponents of the plan maintain that it will be bad for tourism and the local eco-tourism, while also arguing that it will ruin the ocean views from their property.

Supporters have cited the wind farm as a major environmental initiative that will meet a large portion of Cape Cod's energy needs. Looking ahead, the battle is likely not over yet, with opponents having threatened legal action in response to the government's approval.

A report in the Boston Globe quoted Salazar as saying that "this will be the first of many projects up and down the Atlantic Coast."