The Maryland House of Delegates has passed the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2012 by a vote of 88 to 47.
The legislation, which passed the House Economic Matters committee last week, incentivizes the construction of offshore wind turbines 10 miles or more off the coast of Ocean City, Md. The bill requires that offshore wind power developers demonstrate that wind projects will produce positive net economic and environmental benefits for the state.
‘Maryland voters support offshore wind because it works for ratepayers, workers, our health and our climate,’ says Jen Brock-Cancellieri, deputy director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. "With today's vote, the House of Delegates harnessed the winds of constituent support and took a significant step towards developing homegrown energy off the coast of the Eastern Shore."
According to Marylanders For Offshore Wind Power, the legislation will soon go before the state's Senate Finance Committee, where Chairman Mac Middleton is expected to bring it to a vote within the next few days.
