The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has begun a 180-day proceeding to evaluate offshore wind project proposals, the Maryland Climate Coalition has announced.
According to the group, the passage of the 2013 Maryland Offshore Energy Wind Act created a framework for the state to use offshore wind as a clean energy source, as well as helped ensure that Maryland small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, will be ready to participate in the offshore wind supply chain.
“This is the last step for Maryland to move forward with an offshore wind project,” states Karla Raettig of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. “Maryland is excited to utilize this tremendous clean energy and become a leader with this new U.S. industry.”
The PSC began the offshore wind application period on Feb. 25 and closed it on Nov. 18. It will evaluate the applications based on the legislative net benefit criteria. Once a project is approved, construction could begin as soon as 2019, according to the coalition.
More information on the proceeding can be found here.
