The Whaling City is making a name for itself as being the solar city.

Tuesday afternoon at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, non-profit group Environment Massachusetts announced a recent report naming New Bedford as a clean energy leader in the country.

According to the report, New Bedford saves about $1 million dollars annually in energy cost savings through solar efforts alone.

The city has also made significant progress through converting streetlights to LED, and owning one of the largest electric fleets for city vehicles. 24 of the city's 70 vehicles are currently electric powered.

New Bedford Energy Director Scott Durkee said the city has made a name for itself through solar and other energy efficient programs. Durkee credits Mayor Jon Mitchell with putting the city on the map for clean energy.

Environment Massachusetts Director Ben Hellerstein said while communities like New Bedford are doing their part, it's up to the state to push the issue further with a bill currently being debated.

"Right now, state leaders are making critical decisions about where Massachusetts is going to get its energy from, and we're encouraging them to get Massachusetts to 100 percent renewable energy as quickly as possible," Hellerstein told WBSM News.

The bill has until July 31 to pass.

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