Maryland zeroes in on offshore windMaryland is on the cusp of approving as much as 200 MW in offshore wind development by 2017. The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 cleared one of its final hurdles last week, gaining senate approval in a 30-15 vote. The state House passed similar legislation in February. The push to incorporate offshore wind into the state's energy portfolio now heads to the desk of Governor Martin O'Malley, where it is expected to be signed into law. The Governor has long championed the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind energy, and testified in support of the proposed legislation earlier this year. "Wind is one of Maryland's two most abundant natural resources. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates we could be generating 10,000 megawatts off the coast of our state alone. That's enough energy to power every home in Maryland," Governor O'Malley said in a February hearing. The turbines will be sited 10 miles off the coast of the beach town of Ocean City. Wind development will be financed in part by a $1.50 monthly surcharge on state electricity customers. Maryland joins Delaware, Massachusetts and other eastern states working to develop offshore wind power. Introducing offshore wind will help Maryland reach its larger goal of 20 percent renewable energy generation by 2022. The state is currently at 6.7 percent, according to Governor O'Malley. For more:
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