Mitchell Testifies In Favor Of Offshore Wind Legislation

Mayor Jon Mitchell made the case for New Bedford to be a major player in the success of the state's ambitious renewable energy goals while on Beacon Hill Tuesday.

Mitchell testified before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy in favor of legislation aimed at producing more offshore wind opportunities for the state, and especially on the Southcoast.

The bill, filed by Somerset Representative Patricia Haddad, would help address the state's future energy shortages by requiring utility companies to purchase power from offshore wind farms, while creating thousands of local jobs.

Mitchell says the legislation would provide much needed stability to the rapidly growing industry.

"The legislation would create certainty for the industry," Mitchell said. “Certainty and predictability is needed for the industry to really start investing here (in New Bedford)."

Mitchell noted the city's location and the recently finished New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal make it an ideal player in the offshore wind industry.