Dion Banks, Director of Governmental Affairs for Cambridge International, testified February 13, before the Senate Finance Committee on the benefits of passing SB 275 Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013.
This initiative seeks to include offshore wind energy in the Maryland Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Program. The intentions of the bill are to supply electricity derived from an offshore wind farm in Ocean City, MD, and have been under consideration for over a year.
As a member of the Business Coalition for Maryland Offshore Wind, Banks is a proponent for helping the state realize its renewable energy goals while creating a new industry that will serve as a regional economic force by providing skilled jobs to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
In his submitted testimony, Banks impressed upon the committee the opportunity to bring new capabilities to the region, placing Maryland at the forefront of an emerging industry. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates each project could provide 850 construction jobs, and 160 ongoing long-term operational jobs.
“We are excited to partner with the Governor to help drive the state of Maryland forward as a manufacturing hub for the United States,” Banks says.
This initiative is supported by many local and national government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Governor Martin O’Malley, as well as environmental organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and National Wildlife Federation, and local Maryland businesses.
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Press release, February 14, 2013; Image: cambridgeenvirotech