USA: Maryland Offshore Wind Bill Gets Senate’s Preliminary Approval, Debate Continues Today

The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 got a preliminary approval from the state Senate yesterday. The debate on the bill is scheduled to continue today, but the final vote is unlikely to come before Monday, CapitalGazette.com reports. 

During the yesterday’s debate, the Senate rejected six amendments to the bill offered by the Republicans, similar to those they introduced at a reading in the House of Delegates. At today’s debate, more amendments are expected.

Governor O’Malley’s bill would establish a mechanism to incentivize the development of a 200 megawatt offshore wind facility and a regulatory framework that will allow further projects to interconnect in Maryland. It would limit rate increases for residential customers to USD 1.50 per month and businesses to 1.5%.

If approved, the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act would become effective as of  June 1.

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Offshore WIND Staff, March 8, 2013; Image: Alpha Ventus