The climate action winning streak continues in Maryland! Following our victories to increase the state’s renewable energy standard, strengthening its nationally-renowned energy efficiency programs, and securing a ban on fracking, today the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved TWO offshore wind projects for the state.
This is a monumental moment for our work to move off fossil fuels like coal and into a thriving clean energy economy. Maryland is now firmly poised to lead the Eastern Seaboard in an offshore wind revolution. The PSC’s approval of financing for 368 MW of offshore wind from both U.S. Wind and Skipjack Offshore Energy will create:
- 9,700 direct and indirect jobs
- $74 million in tax revenue
- 19,000 tons of climate pollution reduction annually
We have been working with Maryland activists and partner groups for over 5 years to make offshore wind a reality in our state and this is the biggest hurdle we’ve past to date. There is still work to be done and we’ll keep you posted on the construction plans and remaining important permitting steps, but we don’t want to understate this moment -- this is a big deal.
This simply wouldn’t have happened without the work of thousands of Maryland residents and offshore wind supporters. Folks turned out to rallies in Annapolis in 2012 and 2013; sent letters and emails to decision makers; flocked to hearings this in March of this year to beat the drum of support for offshore wind; and turned out to public meetings and events letting decision makers, companies, and community leaders know that you were fully behind this clean energy revolution. Maryland deserves this victory.
We will keep pushing Maryland to be a leader on climate action. Look for more news and information from us soon!
PS - Check out our Coalition press release here and the press release from the PSC here!