Patrick Administration Solicits Feedback on Wind Power Potential for State-owned Lands

Public listening sessions planned for Cape Cod and the Berkshires

WHAT:

Officials of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and local legislators will host two public listening sessions to receive feedback on the potential for wind power development on state-owned lands. Satisfying in part a mandate of the Green Jobs Act of 2008 to investigate the Commonwealth’s clean energy sector, a recent study of the “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Potential at State-Owned Facilities” concluded that there are sufficient wind resources to develop approximately 947 megawatts (MW) of wind power on state lands – an amount capable of meeting nearly half of Governor Patrick’s goal to develop 2,000 MW of wind power by 2020. The study pointed to the potential for large-scale wind installations in some regions of the state, particularly coastal areas and ridge tops in Western Massachusetts. EEA Secretary Ian Bowles has directed Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Rick Sullivan and Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Philip Giudice to preside over the upcoming public sessions, which will include an overview of wind power and siting issues, and provide an opportunity for testimony by elected officials and members of the public.

WHO:

DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan
DOER Commissioner Philip Giudice
Area legislators

WHEN:

Both meetings begin at 6 pm

WHERE:

Bourne, June 17

Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Admiral's Hall
101 Academy Drive

Pittsfield, June 24

Berkshire Community College
Main campus
K111 Theater
1350 West Street