Boston, MA – Today, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed “An Act to Promote Energy Diversity,” a bill that includes a commitment to 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind power development in areas more than ten miles off the coast.

In response, National Wildlife Federation, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Mass Audubon, Environment Massachusetts, Massachusetts Sierra Club, Mass Climate Action Network, Clean Water Action, Mass Interfaith Coalition for Climate Action, and 350 Mass for a Better Future, issued the following statement:

Today, the Massachusetts House of Representatives took an important step forward in harnessing offshore wind power for the Commonwealth. Facing the overlapping needs of replacing retiring coal and nuclear power plants, diversifying our energy portfolio, spurring economic development, and cutting the pollution that leads to climate change, Massachusetts’ leaders have an opportunity to lead the nation in launching a local, job-creating energy source that could power our economy for decades to come.

As the bill moves toward Governor Baker’s desk, we call on our leaders in the State House to increase the offshore wind commitment to at least 2,000 megawatts – still only a fraction of what is readily available far off the coast of Massachusetts – in order to secure the lower costs and greater environmental benefits that such scale will deliver. Responsibly developed offshore wind power is critical to securing a truly clean energy future for the region and now is the time for bold leadership to ensure that this booming international industry makes its U.S. debut here in the Commonwealth.