O'Malley's wind bill passes HouseFeb 23 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Pamela Wood The Capital, Annapolis, Md.
As expected, Gov. Martin O'Malley's bill to promote offshore wind power sailed through the House of Delegates on Friday. Delegates discussed the bill for only a few minutes, with a handful of Republicans warning that it's an expensive measure that does little to improve the use of renewable energy. The measure, House Bill 226, requires a certain percentage of electricity sold in Maryland to eventually come from wind farms off the coast of Ocean City. And it sets up a process for utility customers to support the wind industry after the turbines are built, which could cost $1.50 per month for the average residential customer and 1.5 percent more per month for commercial customers. Del. Herb McMillan, R-Annapolis, said utility companies shouldn't be forced into selling wind power. "We should let the utility companies pick the most cost-effective renewable energy they can find," he said. And Del. Pat McDonough, R-Baltimore and Harford counties, said publicly what many have grumbled privately: That O'Malley is using the wind bill to boost his profile for a possible presidential run. Environmentalists praised the vote, with Chesapeake Climate Action Network Director Mike Tidwell immediately issuing a statement that said: "Maryland can lead the new job-creating and climate-change fighting offshore wind industry." The final vote was 86-48, with one delegate excused from voting. Anne Arundel delegates who voted in favor were: House Speaker Michael E. Busch, D-Annapolis; Del. Pam Beidle, D-Linthicum; Del. Mary Ann Love, D-Glen Burnie; and Del. Ted Sophocleus, D-Linthicum. Anne Arundel delegates who voted against were: Del. Bob Costa, R-Deale; Del. Don Dwyer Jr., R-Pasadena; Del. Ron George, R-Arnold; Del. Nic Kipke, R-Pasadena; Del. Tony McConkey, R-Severna Park; McMillan; Del. Steve Schuh, R-Gibson Island; and Del. Cathy Vitale, R-Severna Park. The measure still needs approval by the state Senate before it becomes law. Similar bills have died in a Senate committee the past two years, but Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. has said he expects it to pass this year. http://www.energycentral.com/functional/news/news_detail.cfm?did=27701355 |