Economic Matters Committee Votes 14-7 in Favor of Offshore Wind

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2013

Economic Matters Committee Votes 14-7 in Favor of Offshore Wind

The Maryland Climate Coalition commends Chairman Dereck Davis and members of the House Economic Matters Committee for passing HB 226, the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013, with a vote of 14 to 7. The bill 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, which will provide Marylanders with the benefits of good jobs, healthier air, and more stable energy costs. The bill now heads to the House floor, where Delegates last year passed offshore wind legislation with overwhelming support.

“Having continued support from the House committee shows us that legislators are serious about protecting our environment, our health, and our economy,” said Coalition Coordinator Larissa Johnson. "Offshore wind power works for Maryland ratepayers and workers, and will protect our health, our climate, and our national security. It will effectively stabilize electricity rates, create jobs, reduce pollution, and provide us with homegrown renewable energy. Passage of this bill will position Maryland to be one of the first states in the U.S. to develop an offshore wind farm, which will put our businesses and our workers at the forefront of this imminent American industry."

Over 500 organizations, community groups, and business both small and large have come out in support of offshore wind power over the last 3 years. We urge all legislators to follow in the footsteps of the Economic Matters Committee and make offshore wind energy a reality this year.

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Maryland Offshore Wind Coalition is a coalition of Maryland environmental, faith, business, and other community groups who have joined together to help spur the development of offshore wind energy off of Maryland’s coast. Offshore wind power works for Maryland ratepayers, workers, our health, our climate, and our national security.  It will effectively stabilize electricity rates, create jobs, reduce pollution, and provide us with a local source of clean, renewable energy.