Supporters from across the state join Governor O’Malley and General Assembly leaders for Maryland Offshore Wind bill Signing.

With his signature, Governor O’Malley initiated the process outlined in the bill that will result in the construction of turbines off the coast of Ocean City. The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 creates a mechanism to incentivize the development of a major 200 megawatt offshore wind facility and establish a regulatory framework that will allow additional projects to interconnect in Maryland.

The law provides a “strike zone” of ratepayer protections only allowing the Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve a proposed offshore wind farm if it projects that the additional ratepayer impact is below $1.50 per household or 1.5 percent for non-residential customers.Developers must demonstrate that any project proposed will result in a net economic benefit to the state by creating jobs, economic development and protecting public health.  The 2013 legislation also contains a $10 million Offshore Wind Business Development Fund targeted to small and minority businesses to assist them in preparing to participate in this new industry.

Working with the U.S. Department of Interior, Maryland agencies have helped designate a Maryland “Wind Energy Area” 10 nautical miles east of Ocean City that is expected to be leased to developers later this year.

Governor O’Malley and all of Maryland’s leaders deserve great praise and appreciation for stepping up and creating a path forward for offshore wind development in our state. This is precisely the kind of leadership needed at this moment in time to jumpstart a robust offshore wind industry in America. This accomplishment not only means healthier air, cleaner energy, and more jobs for Maryland, but also signals the growing momentum for offshore wind energy along the entire Atlantic Coast.  Here are a few highlights:

• Massachusetts: In New Bedford, MA, major investments are being made to expand the South Terminal port facility in order to support the construction and operation of Cape Wind and future offshore wind projects.  Cape Wind is expected to commence construction this year, and the Department of the Interior (DOI) is expected to issue additional leases off of New England via auction later this year.
• Rhode Island: A 30 MW demonstration project is moving forward in state waters off Block Island, with plans to also commence construction this year. DOI is on track to auction leases for additional offshore wind project sites later this year.
• New Jersey: In anticipation of major offshore wind development, the firm Weeks Marine has begun construction of a multi-million-dollar vessel designed specifically to install offshore wind turbines. 
• Virginia: Dominion has received Department of Energy funding for an offshore wind demonstration project, and is one of eight entities that has expressed interest in securing a lease for an offshore wind project in the federally designated Wind Energy Area off of Virginia. DOI is expected hold a lease auction for this site before the end of the year. 
• Mid-Atlantic Transmission: The DOI also cleared the way for the company Atlantic Wind Connection – with investment support from Google, Inc. — to receive right-of-way approval for an ocean-based transmission line, pending additional review.
• Federal Tax Incentives: The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is critical for offshore wind development and provides a strong market signal to energy investors. Congress is currently considering a proposal to extend the current tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2013. 
• Federal Investments: In early December, the U.S. Department of Energy announced seven offshore wind awards for projects in Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Virginia. As part of the Energy Department’s broader efforts to launch an offshore wind industry in the United States, these engineering, design and deployment projects will support innovative offshore installations in state and federal waters for commercial operation by 2017.

The National Wildlife Federation is working with a broad coalition of partners to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources. Building clean energy is critical to protect wildlife from the dangers of climate change, but we must also be sure that strong conservation principles guide our offshore wind development activities. In a first of its kind collaboration, NWF and a coalition of leading environmental organizations and offshore wind developers have reached an agreement on needed measures to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales during pre-development activities. This collaborative agreement between key ocean stakeholders helps expedite offshore wind development while ensuring protection of the Atlantic’s precious ecosystem.

To learn more about progress on Atlantic Offshore Wind development and its significant potential to power our homes and businesses with clean, renewable energy, please view our recent report The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy: Time for Action to Create Jobs, Reduce Pollution, Protect Wildlife & Secure America’s Energy Future

The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act establishes a market-driven process to incentivize the construction of ocean-based wind turbines 10 miles or more off the coast of Ocean City. By investing in appropriately-sited offshore wind, Maryland is seizing the opportunity to make our electricity supply cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.  Advancement of the Offshore Wind Energy Act ensures protection of the state’s critical natural resources while helping Maryland meet its energy needs.

For nearly 3 years, the National Wildlife Federation has partnered with local conservation, faith, and civic organizations through the Maryland Climate Coalition striving to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources.  This effort was made possible through individuals across the state who collected more than 10,000 petition signatures, made hundreds of phone calls, sent handwritten letters, and attended town hall meetings and rallies. We join our Maryland partners – and offshore wind advocates along the coast – in celebrating this Win for Offshore Wind.

The proposal championed by Gov. Martin O’Malley will be an economic powerhouse for Maryland, while helping the state achieve its renewable energy goals, reduce emissions and improve air and water quality.

Broad Support for Offshore Wind in Maryland

Governor O’Malley introduces Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013.

A December 2012 poll commissioned by the Maryland Offshore Wind Coalition and conducted by OpinionWorks demonstrated that a growing number of Maryland voters and a strong majority—72 percent—support investing in the development of offshore wind power.  These results represent an 8-percent increase since similar polling was conducted in December 2011.

It is clear that Marylanders want to transition to renewable sources of energy.  The polls also found that 80 percent of those surveyed would “prefer to invest in clean wind power, rather than build another power plant that burns fossil fuels” and contributes to global warming pollution.  Maryland imports 30 percent of our energy from neighboring states, primarily coal from Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Offshore wind can help Maryland meet its energy needs, through home-grown sources, without creating more pollution.

Clean Energy Critical for Chesapeake Bay Wildlife

Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as Atlantic offshore wind is one of the essential ways to protect wildlife for our children’s future.  Sea level rise caused by global warming pollution is the single biggest threat to wildlife and habitats like the Chesapeake Bay.  With its expansive coastline, low-lying topography, and growing coastal population, the Chesapeake Bay region is among the places in the nation most vulnerable to sea level rise.

The state of Maryland is currently losing approximately 580 acres every year to shore erosion, placing natural treasures like Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and Tangier Sound and the wildlife species that depend on them at risk. Last summer, research from the U.S. Geological Survey found that oceans are rising three to four times faster between portions of North Carolina and Massachusetts than in other parts of the globe, partially because of land subsidence.

National Wildlife Federation is working with a broad coalition of partners all along the Atlantic coast to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources.

In just a few short days, legislators in Annapolis will likely vote to determine if we transition to clean, renewable offshore wind energy or if we maintain the status quo of burning fossil fuels that pollute our air and water, harm our health, and threaten wildlife and their habitats.  We have the opportunity to help jumpstart a vital new offshore wind power industry in Maryland. To win, we absolutely need your help!

Help Make History

You can help make history in Annapolis on Monday, April 2nd!  Please join me and hundreds of people like you from across the region as we form a circle of support around the Maryland state house to encourage lawmakers to embrace offshore wind power.  The 2012 legislative session ends on April 9th, so this is our last chance!

Maryland’s state house is the oldest state capitol in continuous use and over the last 240 years has been the site of countless policy debates and public demonstrations.  Yet, not even long-time activists and lawmakers can recall people coming together to form a full ring around the state house ever happening before.  It will take several hundred people.  We need your help to make the event a success and get the attention of the media and lawmakers.

Together, we can make the support for clean, offshore wind energy impossible to ignore.

Sign Up to Attend & Ride Free Buses to Annapolis

We’re going to make it super easy for you to get to Annapolis from around the state by chartering buses from Baltimore, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. One 56-seat bus will be chartered from each area. Plus, riders get a free “Wind Works” t-shirt and healthy snacks for the trip! After completing this registration page, click on the link to reserve your seat!

Support Clean Offshore Wind to Protect Wildlife

Wildlife, including the loggerhead sea turtles that swim in the Atlantic Ocean, face an uncertain future due to the impacts of climate change. Saving loggerhead sea turtles from climate change requires a switch to clean energy–including offshore wind in the Atlantic.

Fight for sea turtles and other wildlife by helping build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources. 

Take Action

Join us in Annapolis on April 2nd to form a Circle of Support for Offshore Wind. 

If you live in Maryland, you can also contact your state representatives and let them know why you think wind works for Maryland.

Clean Energy is Essential to Future of Wildlife

Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as Atlantic offshore wind, is one of the essential ways to protect wildlife for our children’s future.  Sea level rise caused by global warming pollution is the single biggest threat to wildlife and habitats like the Chesapeake Bay.  With its expansive coastline, low-lying topography, and growing coastal population, the Chesapeake Bay region is among the places in the nation most vulnerable to sea level rise.  Treasured places like Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and Tangier Sound and the wildlife species that depend on them are at risk.

Offshore Wind Works For Maryland

Watch advocates from climate, health and business groups share how offshore wind works for Maryland.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Offshore wind will help improve our environment and quality of life while bolstering our economy.  The average price of electricity in Maryland has doubled over the last decade, in large part due to the volatile cost of fossil fuels.  We currently import 30% of our energy from neighboring states, primarily coal from Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Because the fuel (wind) is free, offshore wind power offers the ability to lock-in long-term energy prices for 25 years or more without the threat of rising fossil fuel prices.  In addition, one moderate-sized offshore wind farm would create 1,550 jobs for Maryland workers.

Show Your Support for Maryland Offshore Wind

Join the National Wildlife Federation in working with supporters and a broad coalition of partners all along the Atlantic coast to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources.  By diversifying our energy portfolio with offshore wind we can help ensure energy security, price stability, and pollution reductions while achieving significant environmental benefits over fossil fuels which are the biggest threat to our environment.

You can demonstrate your support for the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2012 by contacting your delegate and senator.

Take Action

If you live in Maryland,  tell your legislators and governor that you support of offshore wind

Maryland Offshore Wind Promises Good Jobs and Clean Power

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.

Is Off Shore Wind Coming to Maryland? (Photo Credit: Flickr/phault)

Will 2011 be the year offshore wind comes to Maryland?  With the start of a new legislative session, clean energy advocates across the state are working hard to make it happen – and you can help.

On Wednesday, January 12 at 11am, supporters of the National Wildlife Federation and partner groups will be greeting legislators as they begin their first day of work at the State House in Annapolis to ensure that they know offshore wind is a top priority in 2011.  Participants will receive free t-shirts and offshore wind materials to distribute.

RSVP to join this important day of action for Maryland’s future.

This event continues the growing momentum for offshore wind in Maryland.  Last month, over 300 noted leaders and grassroots activists came together on a cold Saturday in Annapolis for the 1^st Citizen’s Conference on Offshore Wind Power.  Steelworkers and environmentalists sat next to business leaders to make the case for the good jobs and clean power that will be made possible through offshore wind, ending with a colorful march to the State House steps.

Maryland Wants Wind, Photo by Chesapeake Climate Action Network

Maryland’s offshore wind potential was also highlighted in the National Wildlife Federation’s recent report, “Offshore Wind in the Atlantic: Growing Momentum for Jobs, Energy Independence, Clean Air, and Wildlife Protection.”  The report provides an analysis of current projects, policy initiatives, and wind potential, as well as details on the benefits of offshore wind to create green energy jobs, improve air and water quality, and reduce global warming pollution.

The U.S. Department of Energy has classified Maryland as having outstanding offshore wind resources.  Offshore wind could satisfy 2/3 of the state’s current energy needs.  That is why Marylanders are calling on state leaders to transition to a clean energy economy now. 

Send a message to your Maryland state legislators urging them to support offshore wind in 2011.

Similar grassroots efforts are being mirrored up and down the Atlantic coast.  The National Wildlife Federation is working with a broad coalition of partners to build momentum and support for the rapid, responsible development of our offshore wind energy resources. It is time to get moving on this critical component of our clean energy future.

Please visit the NWF website to learn more about clean energy and offshore wind.

As we celebrate this important success and look forward to the growing strength of our conservation movement, we also remember how far we’ve come.

The goal of uniting hunters, anglers, gardeners, bird watchers, scientists, and families to speak together with one voice for conservation began as little more than a cartoonist’s dream 75 years ago.  Noted illustrator and conservationist Jay N. “Ding” Darling  used  his pen to highlight the need for diverse stakeholders to come together to protect wildlife for our children’s future, preserve our natural places, and ensure clean air and water for all.

The Conservation Interests Can Get What They Need If They Will Pull Together (Credit: The "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society; The University of Iowa)

Ding Darling’s cartoons and conservation ethic caught the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt who appointed him the head of the U.S. Biological Survey in 1934, the forerunner to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.  Darling understood that unity was politically powerful and that there was no nationwide constituency to support policies and funding for the conservation work that needed to be done.  Darling proclaimed, “It is hard to start a fire with one stick of wood!”

In 1936, after convincing President Roosevelt to invite over 2,000 hunters, anglers, and conservationists from across the country to attend the first North American Wildlife Conference in Washington, DC, Darling realized his dream of a federation promoting conservation interests, encouraging social diversity, and demanding action from Congress.  The National Wildlife Federation was formed and Ding Darling became the organization’s first President.

Three-quarters of a century later, the diversity and scope of our affiliate organizations remains central to the strength of the National Wildlife Federation.  It is hard to start a fire with one stick of wood, but as Ding Darling mused, [imagine] if you could ever get the firewood together in one pile.

Welcome West Virginia Rivers Coalition!

To learn more about the National Wildlife Federation’s affiliate network, please visit NWF.org.