A recent newsletter from Sea Services highlighted a quirky first in the history of Connecticut’s legislative history: the state’s first legislative testimony delivered from aboard a boat.
Jack Tibbens and Scott Yerman shared their thoughts about a bill that would create a fund for mitigating the environmental impact of offshore wind projects from aboard the New Horizons earlier this year, joining the 12 hour session via zoom.
They voiced support for a bill put together by Heather Sommers, a Republican representative from Groton.
“Sen. Somers’ bill supports new opportunity for Connecticut fishermen directly through the mitigation fund,” Yerman said. He is a fisherman of 35 years who has lately supplemented fishing income by having his fleet help with scouting work for turbine installation. “The funds’ crew safety training to include medical, firefighting, radar and electronics training will also enhance fishing vessel safety upgrades with new state-of-the art electronics, helping fishing vessels navigate through wind farms safely and efficiently.”
“I believe you’re the first person in my memory to testify from a boat. We really appreciate you taking the time to testify,” said Westport representative Jonathan Steinberg, House Chair of the Legislature’s Energy & Technology Committee.
“Having the perspective of somebody who’s actually doing the job is really important for us to hear,” Steinberg said. “We wish you success and smooth sailing. We appreciate the extra effort you put in to be able to testify. It really makes a difference to us. And we hope that we can preserve the fishing industry in Connecticut for generations to come.”
