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

For too long, America has ignored an immense clean energy source sitting right off our shores.

We’ve chosen to remain dependant on fossil fuels that cause dangerous air and water pollution, threaten our national security, and place future generations of people and wildlife in jeopardy from climate change. And we’ve overlooked a golden economic development opportunity that can create thousands of high-quality jobs while revitalizing our maritime industrial heritage all along the Atlantic Coast.

Today, we are one step closer to change. Secretary Salazar just announced that the Obama Administration has hit the accelerator in developing our offshore wind energy resources off the Mid-Atlantic coast. NWF applauds this decision (NWF & VCN statement of support) to responsibly expedite the permitting process for offshore wind projects, recognizing the important role that offshore wind must play in securing a clean energy future for America. We believe developing offshore wind energy is critical for protecting wildlife from the dangers of climate change when designed and constructed in an environmentally responsible manner.  It is possible to protect our coastal and marine wildlife in the pursuit of offshore wind energy, and today’s announcement sets the stage for both.

What does today’s announcement mean?

Because of this important decision, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) can now move forward with the leasing process for offshore wind projects off the coast of New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. With strong environmental conditions, developers will now be able to begin site assessment activities on their reserved blocks of ocean in order to collect the data necessary to design construction and operations plans for their projects. A comprehensive environmental review, including an Environmental Impact Statement, will be required at that point to ensure that the proposed projects are safe for people and wildlife. NWF believes this approach will allow for an efficient permitting timeline for this critical clean energy source without sacrificing environmental review.

 When will offshore wind energy leases be issued?

There is so much interest by the offshore wind industry in developing projects off the Mid-Atlantic that BOEM will have to grant leases through a competitive auction process. The auction logisitics are still being finalized, although NWF and our allies are calling for a swift, efficient process (see BOEM Auction Signon Letter) that gets leases into responsible developers’ hands as quickly as possible. We expect as many as 10 leases to be granted across these 4 states in the Mid-Atlantic region by the end of 2012.

 Offshore wind energy – a wildlife-friendly energy solution

National Wildlife Federation applauds the Obama Administration for hitting the accelerator in the pursuit of offshore wind energy for America. By expediting the permitting process for responsible offshore wind energy without sacrificing critical environmental review, America is one step closer to harnessing the massive economic and environmental benefits that will come from tapping this immense domestic clean energy source.

But this is just beginning! The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated that well over 200 GW of wind energy potential is available in the Atlantic Ocean using current technology, as much as is generated each year by nearly 200 average coal-fired power plants. And the Department of Energy has set a goal of developing 54 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030. Launching a robust offshore wind industry in the U.S. has the potential to create thousands of high quality jobs while producing clean, domestic energy that does not produce harmful pollution.

There is much more work ahead to ensure that America does not continue to leave this enormous clean energy opportunity on the table, but today’s announcement is a critical step forward.

Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County, MD (flickr | cseeman)

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley announced recently that nearly $23 million will go toward State Park and public land projects in the proposed FY2013 budget, with a special emphasis on their role as resources to connect the state’s families with the outdoors and provide “better natural play areas for children”:

…The State’s parks will also serve as outdoor classrooms for the State’s new environmental literacy requirements.

“State Parks are the epitome of affordable getaways for families, models for living in harmony with nature, and a vital tonic for the mind, body and spirit,” said Tim Casey, Chair of the Governor’s State Park Advisory Commission. “These strategic investments will benefit millions of Marylanders, increasing access to the outdoors, creating jobs and restoring the environment for today and future generations.”

The budget announcement is only the latest example of Maryland’s support for connecting kids with nature.

Governor O’Malley joined Congressman John Sarbanes, Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources John Griffin, State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick and members of the No Child Left Inside Coalition in 2008 to establish the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, a project to ensure all Maryland young people have the opportunity to connect with the natural world and become conservation stewards. Last June, First Lady Katie O’Malley kicked off the Great American Backyard Campout with help from NWF and the Maryland Park Service, pitching a tent with local kids to demonstrate one of the outdoor activities that make up the Maryland Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights.

As for making sure these kids learn about nature in the classroom too, the State Board of the Maryland Department of Education adopted a new policy last year—the first of its kind—requiring high school students in the state to attain a basic level of environmental literacy before graduation. A few months later, Congressman John Paul Sarbanes, who represents Maryland’s third district, introduced a House version of the No Child Left Inside Act (NCLI) to assist states in the development and implementation of stronger environmental literacy programs for K-12 students.

You can see the Maryland State Parks Economic Impact and Visitor Study online here, and stay tuned to Wildlife Promise for updates on this major statement in support of natural play.

I’m packing for our first-ever trip to Everglades National Park. It’s my kids’ winter break, and when we sat down as a family to figure out where we wanted to go, it was my wildlife-loving son who lobbied hard for the Everglades.

As I reflect on how our family evolved into one that spends lots of time outdoors in nature, one of things that made a difference–since I’m one of those thrifty moms–was the free entrance program the National Park Service offers.

It’s Free Several Times in the Year

Last spring we visited Virginia's Great Falls National Park during one of the free weekends.

• January 14-16
  Martin Luther King Jr. weekend
• April 21-29
  National Park Week
• June 9
  Get Outdoors Day
• September 29
  National Public Lands Day
• November 10-12
  Veterans Day weekend

Check out the list of participating sites and you’ll find a mix of not only national parks, but national monuments and national battlefields, too.

Now free entrance might have helped us start our love affair with national parks, but there are  many reasons why we keep coming back.

Things Differ With the Seasons

For example, our visit to the Everglades would be vastly different–from birds to bugs to sogginess–if we came during the summer months. Migrating birds always make certain park visits differ. Those parks with old-growth deciduous forests have a completely different look, and views, when those leaves are shed. Also, those northern parks seem to have a quiet calm during the winter months that is appealing to many.

My kids being sworn in as junior rangers at Acadia National Park in Maine. (Photo by Kristy Myers)

Junior Ranger Program

How cool is it that your kids can be sworn in as Junior Rangers?! The Junior Ranger program offers a flexible, self-guided schedule of activities your family can do while at the parks. If your kids complete the activities, they can turn it in for a certificate and a badge/patch. The best part is when they get “sworn in” by the park ranger. Bring your cameras!

Ranger-Led Activities for Your Family

Each national park has a unique list of ranger-led activities ranging from nature talks, walks and tours. Here’s an example of the ranger-led programs at Everglades National Park for when we’re there. Oftentimes there are special programs geared toward kids, like a touch-tank talk we attended with a ranger at Acadia National Park in Maine.

Passport Program

To encourage you to learn more about and visit other parks, the National Park Service offers Passport® to Your National Parks. My kids have loved exploring the information and thoroughly enjoy taking the passport to the ranger station to get a stamp for each park they visit. Our passport is one of the things I’m packing now for our trip.

We spotted these wild ponies at Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland. (Photo by Kristy Myers)

Seeing Wildlife

Of course seeing wildlife always ranks high with the kids. Through ranger-led tours and programs or with your own keen observations you’re liable to catch glimpses of all sorts of wildlife at national parks and refuges. Then, be sure to log what you spot through the National Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Watch website!

Do you have a favorite National Park? Would love to hear about it in the comments below because I’m always looking for the next great place to take the kids. I know I’ll share more with you upon our return, but for now I hope you’ll Be Out There at a nearby National Park during this long holiday weekend!

This past year, however, I’m so glad my family stuck with our resolution to spend more time outdoors. Over the past year we’ve created amazing memories, plus I’ve seen curiosity and creativity flourish in our kids as they’ve spent time in nature. In order to stick with this resolution I created easy ways for us to build outdoor time in our lives and tapped into a number of resources the National Wildlife Federation offers.

If you’re thinking that 2012 is the year to get your family outdoors, here are a few tips to get you started:

We hiked Pilot Mountain State Park the day after Thanksgiving while visiting family in North Carolina. We hiked around the monolith you see in the background. (Photo by Kristy Myers)

First Day Hikes

Why not kick off the New Year with a family hike? For the first time ever all 50 state park systems are participating in First Day Hikes, special programming for New Year’s Day encouraged to get families out to their local state park. Even if you’ve hiked a particular trail other times of the year, winter offers a completely different perspective — a calm quiet, coupled with views typically blocked by leaves on the trees. Our family enjoys checking out local state parks when we travel to see family for the holidays. So for Thanksgiving we hit Pilot Mountain State Park in North Carolina while visiting my in-laws, and we plan to hit a Delaware State Park tomorrow during our visit to my Mom’s. Here’s the events on tap tomorrow at Delaware State Parks. To find a First Day Hike near you, search here.

Walk Through the Neighborhood

The easiest way to spend more time outdoors is to just walk out the door and explore your home turf. Now if your kids are anything like mine you may hear a chorus of complaints sometimes when you’re trying to get out of the door. My solution:  create a scavenger hunt. On the days when they’re resistant — like Christmas weekend when my in-laws were here — I have them come up with a theme and a hunt for us to do. Last weekend’s was a holiday decoration scavenger hunt where we looked out for things like Santa statues or a wreath with a red bow.

Our kids camped in the family room before making the jump to camping in the backyard. (Photo by Kristy Myers)

Camp in Your Yard

Have fond memories of camping when you were a kid? Why not bring that fun to your own family. Start simple by camping right in your own backyard. If it’s too cold to venture out right now, you can set up a pup tent in your family room or basement for a fun indoor campout. Or, if you don’t have a tent, tap into your kids’ imagination by building a blanket fort to campout in. Then, when the weather is nice you’ll be ready for our Great American Backyard Campout on June 23.

Get Your Green Hour

Okay back when I was a kid it was just called kicking your kids out the door to spend time playing. Today we call it Green Hour, but it’s basically the same thing. It’s finding time for kids to have unstructured play time outdoors — time for kids to be kids. The National Wildlife Federation offers activities and resources through our greenhour.org website.

Geocache

Is your family into the latest electronic gadgets and gizmos? Then geocaching might be for you because it’s a great way to pair screen time with a fun outdoor adventure. Geocaching is a combination of old-fashioned treasure hunting, while using GPS technology, and spending time outdoors. With the help of a handheld GPS device or smartphone, people can hunt for geocaches hidden in public areas all over the world. To find out more, check out this information on Ranger Rick’s Geocache Trails.

Oak Crest residents held a ceremony to mark their community's designation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat^®. (Photo courtesy Oak Crest)

Oak Crest is the largest retirement community in Baltimore, Maryland with over 2,100 residents and sits on an 87-acre campus amongst a flourishing ecosystem. In November, residents and staff came together to celebrate the receipt of that designation at a ceremony, appropriately held by the pond on campus.

The pond is used to encourage wildlife and recreation, individual garden areas and a greenhouse for residents, a nature trail and forest buffer zones.  In the fall of 2009, a “green roof” was installed on the assisted living and skilled nursing buildings that comprise Renaissance Gardens.

A Flourishing Eco-System

Oak Crest supports numerous species of wildlife on the grounds of its campus, including deer, squirrels, foxes, geese, ducks, hawks, bluebirds, woodpeckers and catfish. There is a nature trail that is maintained by residents and staff.

(Photo courtesy Oak Crest)

Brian Dorsey, facilities manager for grounds and transportation, noted that the National Wildlife Federation has “strict guidelines on the habitat elements that must be in place to receive the award. A property must provide food sources for wildlife. These can be supplied naturally through plants or supplemented through feeding. Also, there must be water sources, cover and places to raise young established on the property.”

A Resident-Driven Effort

Many of Oak Crest’s initiatives are resident-driven. The “green” approach is a collaborative effort between the residents and staff of Oak Crest.  Resident groups such as the Garden Club (consisting of Garden Plots, Greenhouse & Nature Trail committees), Recycling Plus Group, For the Birds, Earth Day and the Blue Heron Yacht Club provide input regarding campus environmental policies.

“These requirements have been intrinsically satisfied for years through the ‘green’ approach to operations to which our residents and staff have been so diligently committed,” continued Mr. Dorsey. “I’m most proud that this is a grass-roots effort. The fact that we supply all of these elements implies good stewardship by Oak Crest to the air we breathe, water that we shed and the plants that support a healthy ecosystem.”

If you would like to certify your own backyard, go to www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife to learn more. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a certified Community Wildlife Habitat, go to www.nwf.org/community.

Learn more about attracting wildlife to your garden and how to create a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat^® >>

Contribution of blog content and photos: Jeff Getek, Public Affairs Manager, Oak Crest