Good Jobs and Clean Energy

Marylanders are looking 10 miles off the coast for good jobs and clean energy.  The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act is currently being considered in the General Assembly and has the support of labor unions and environmental organizations alike.

With the announcement this week that wind turbine blades will be manufactured at a facility in Salisbury, Maryland  the promise of offshore wind jobs moved from hypothetical to very real.

The job-creating potential of Maryland offshore wind was further highlighted yesterday at a press conference announcing the release of new report co-authored by Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center and the United Steelworkers.

The National Wildlife Federation joined the authors along with representatives from the Baltimore Building and Construction Trades Council, the Sheet Metal Workers Local 100, Maryland Sierra Club, and others to announce the exciting findings.

• There are more than 150 Maryland firms, employing more than 7,000 Maryland workers, that are engaged in industries that could participate in the manufacturing of components for offshore wind parks.
• There are approximately another 980 firms, employing more than 20,000 workers, that are engaged in industries that could provide support for the installation of offshore wind parks.

In addition to creating these green jobs, Maryland offshore wind would also significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and sea level rise in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  Offshore wind will help Maryland achieve its renewable energy goals, improve air and water quality, and protect the Bay’s treasured landscapes and fish and wildlife resources for our children’s future.

Labor unions and environmental organizations are continuing their call for good jobs and clean power through a rally in Annapolis on Monday, March 21st from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. The group will meet at the city dock at the south corner of Randall Street and Dock Street (see MAP) and then make their way to Lawyer’s Mall on the statehouse steps.

Even if you can’t join the group on March 21st, you can still speak up for Maryland offshore wind by sending a message to the General Assembly.

The National Wildlife Federation is working with a broad coalitin of partners all along the Atlantic coast to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources.  Learn more at nwf.org.