Maryland’s Offshore Wind Bill Passes Economic Matters Committee (USA)

The Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013, proposed by Governor Martin O’Malley, passed the House Economic Matters Committee on Friday, the Baltimore Sun reports.

Last year, Governor O’Malley’s similar offshore wind bill passed the House of Delegates, but failed to pass the Senate Finance Committee.

On February 13, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the Offshore Wind Energy Act, where Governor Martin O’Malley spoke in favour of offshore wind, pointing out its employment benefits.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller is confident that the bill will pass this time.With the purpose of pushing the offshore wind bill, which would be effective from June 1, Senate leadership adjusted the committee members.

The bill will probably be put before the full House of Delegates on Tuesday, whilst Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on it this week or so, according to the Baltimore Sun.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND Staff, February 18, 2013; Image: mdgov