JAN 11, 3:58 PM

Maryland Environmental Groups Look To Expand Offshore Wind

Jacob Fenston https://twitter.com/JacobFenston



Three wind turbines off the coast of Rhode Island, part of the nation’s first offshore wind farm in the U.S.

Michael Dwyer / AP Photo

Imagine the horizon off Maryland’s Eastern Shore dotted with hundreds of wind turbines, harnessing the energy of powerful wind currents blowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Advocates say offshore wind could produce enough electricity to power half the state of Maryland – if the state builds the infrastructure to support it.

As the Maryland General Assembly convened its 90-day session today, environmentalists are backing numerous bills that would boost offshore wind, expand access to solar power, and otherwise help the state reach its ambitious climate goals. And, with a new climate-friendly governor about to be sworn in, they’re optimistic about success.

“There is a new political landscape in Annapolis,” says Mike Tidwell, executive director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Governor Larry Hogan was not an enthusiastic supporter of climate solutions. A lot of bills were passed during his eight-year tenure, but often they were passed over his objections, over his vetoes.”

Governor-elect Wes Moore (D), set to be inaugurated on Jan. 18, has promised to be a climate champion and “re-establish Maryland as the national and global leader” on clean energy and reducing emissions. He’s touted a goal to make the state run on 100% clean energy by 2035 (current law requires 50% clean energy by 2030).



The Atlantic coast of the U.S. has some of the highest wind speeds in the nation.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

{snip}