Officials at Massachusetts' 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.
A recent study, ‘Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Potential at State-Owned Facilities,’ concluded that there are sufficient wind resources to develop approximately 947 MW of wind power on state lands.
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 Commissioner Rick Sullivan and Department of Energy Resources 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.
The June 17 meeting will take place at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and the June 24 meeting will be held at Berkshire Community College.
SOURCE: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
