Morgan Caplan, morgan.caplan@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC – Yesterday, the Biden Administration urged by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md) announced an exciting proposal for the offshore wind lease sale in the Central Atlantic Ocean.
The proposed lease sale of two previously designated parcels in the Central Atlantic Ocean, which is scheduled for 2024, represents a significant stride towards bringing online renewable energy sources. The commitment to identifying additional acreage off Maryland’s shores as Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) for a subsequent lease sale in 2025 underscores their responsiveness to state and local leaders, and dedication to long-term clean energy strategies.
Investing in large-scale responsibly sited & equitably developed offshore wind power will help Maryland become a clean energy and economic powerhouse. Renewable energy projects would provide thousands of jobs in manufacturing, construction, installation, and operation management.
Maryland has a goal of developing 8.5 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035 and these announced leasing areas will put the state one step closer to reaching its goal with the assurance that more areas will be leased in the near future.
"Offshore wind energy stands as a source of encouragement in the fight against climate change and the transition towards clean energy alternatives,” said Josh Tulkin, Director of the Maryland Sierra Club. “We commend Senators Van Hollen and Cardin, and the Biden administration, for their commitment to expanding renewable energy resources and accelerating the transition to a more resilient and just energy landscape. While we are disappointed that leasing area B-1, or similar areas, were not released, we are encouraged that there is a process in place to open additional areas. Maryland cannot reach its clean energy goals without additional space being made available.
“We look forward to greater collaboration on decarbonization efforts across the Central Atlantic, and bringing about a clean energy future that is fair, equitable, and beneficial for all communities.”
The proposed lease sales and review of additional areas not only signify an economic opportunity for Maryland, but also signal a collective step forward in reducing carbon emissions, promoting job growth, and securing a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.