USA: Maryland Offshore Wind Bill Passes Senate

March 8 marks a momentous occasion for Marylanders – Offshore Wind legislation passed in the Senate with a vote of 30-15. Three years of work has paid off in huge dividends – in health benefits, in jobs, and in truly renewable energy options. The bill is now scheduled to go back to the House of Delegates for a final vote before being sent to the Governor.

The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 will set up a market-driven process to incentivize the construction of ocean-based wind turbines 10 miles or more off the coast of Ocean City. The bill requires that offshore wind power developers demonstrate that wind projects will produce positive net economic and environmental benefits for the state.

“By investing in appropriately-sited offshore wind, Maryland is seizing the opportunity to make our electricity supply cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable,”  states Jen Mihills, Regional Representative, National Wildlife Federation. “Advancement of the Offshore Wind Energy Act ensures protection of the state’s critical natural resources while helping Maryland meet its energy needs.”

In addition to establishing long-term electric price stability and producing the equivalent of two thirds of Maryland’s current electricity needs, offshore wind addresses the causes of climate change which has been a top priority for many organizations in the Coalition. Nancy Soreng, President of League of Women Voters of Maryland says that “our members are thrilled that the state’s legislators have taken this important step to facilitate the development of an offshore wind farm in Maryland.”

Joelle Novey, Director of Interfaith Power & Light (MD•DC•NoVA) said: “Across Maryland, religious communities of many traditions are rejoicing today. We are one step closer to the day when we can get our energy from heaven — from clean, abundant resources that don’t have to be mined or drilled, and don’t have to burned, that don’t damage the climate or make people sick.”

The wind blowing off Maryland’s Atlantic coast is a vast, untapped energy source. Maryland’s legislators have listened to the concerns of residents across the state, the strong majority of whom not only support the green-energy plan, but also support investing in the development of offshore wind power. This Senate vote means offshore wind production will soon become  a reality.

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Press release, March 11, 2013; Image: Marylanders for Offshore Wind Power