Feb 27 - McClatchy-Tribune Business News Formerly Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - Evan Lehmann The Sun, Lowell, Mass.

Gov. Deval Patrick emphasized his support for Cape Wind yesterday, saying the massive turbine project symbolizes his vision for a new environmental movement in Massachusetts.

"I used to work at Texaco," the Democratic governor said in a speech at a Washington hotel. "I can tell you from that experience that what you read about diminishing sources of foreign oil is not made up."

Patrick, attending the National Governors Association winter meeting, said that Cape Wind was "somewhat controversial," but stressed that the U.S. urgently needs to break its dependence on foreign oil.

"It seems to me that project is important from an energy point of view, from an environmental point of view and as a symbol of the kind of economy I want to cultivate in Massachusetts," Patrick said of the 130-turbine project proposed for Nantucket Sound.

"But I don't just want wind farms," he added. "I want the companies that build turbines. I want the ones that assemble the hydrogen vehicles, that consult on the conservation strategies. I want the companies that design and manufacture the solar panels -- the whole integrated industry ought to and should have a place in Massachusetts."

Patrick said Massachusetts could be a "center for alternative and renewable energy."

But other states have their eyes on the same prize.

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat, joked with Patrick: "We're going to arm wrestle you for those jobs. We want those same manufacturers."

Patrick and his wife attended a dinner Sunday at the White House with a host of other state executives. He met President Bush long enough to only "say hello and have him and Mrs. Bush congratulate us on winning," Patrick said.