A new report from Environment Maryland finds that a wind farm off the coast of Ocean City, Md., would reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions and help maintain a reliable electricity system with long-term price stability.
The report, ‘The Power of Offshore Wind: A Source of Clean, Reliable, Affordable Electricity for Maryland's Future,’ finds that energy produced by an offshore wind farm would help stabilize energy prices for state residents, who have seen more than a 75% increase in their electricity prices since 2002. The price of wind power is predictable for decades in advance, providing protection against fluctuating fossil-fuel costs.
‘This continued research is positive, not only because of what it means for the environment, but because of what it means for the economy,’ says Rep. Frank Kratovil, D-Md. ‘If we can create, manufacture, and install new green energy opportunities like wind here in the United States, we will create a new job market for the 21st century and put people back to work in places like Ocean City.’
Environment Maryland's report release comes about a month after Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md., joined Govs. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Jack Markell, D-Del., to announce a partnership for encouraging wind power expansion in their states.
The report also details plans for offshore wind projects in other states along the East Coast. For example, Delaware's offshore wind farm will spur the creation of 500 jobs during construction and 80 to 100 jobs for turbine operation and maintenance.
Environment Maryland has called on the Maryland Public Service Commission to solicit proposals for a wind farm to be built off Maryland's coast. The group said the wind farm should be constructed by 2014 to help move Maryland towards its clean energy future.
SOURCE: Environment Maryland
