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.

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.

National Wildlife Federation President & CEO Larry Schweiger demonstrated that kind of leadership when he walked right into enemy territory and the Mike Pintek’s show on KDKA, the largest a.m. talk show program in the Pittsburgh PA market. (The National Wildlife Federation recently held its 73rd Annual Meeting in the city.)

Within 30 seconds of our arrival, Pintek announced that he was not going to talk politics or global warming. “Don’t want to talk about global warming because it’s a load of crap.” Nice …

Pintek introduced Larry and then asked about the top issue the National Wildlife Federation works on. Larry told him: to reform America’s energy policy. Well of course it didn’t take Pintek long to say, “Whaddya mean reform America’s energy policy?” and then, there we were, talking about global warming.

Despite Pintek’s insistence that we weren’t going to talk about global warming, he kept at it for about 30 minutes. Larry, calmly and clearly, kept refuting Pintek’s weak claims (not man-made, the sunspot theory, etc). Larry patiently explained what it means to keep polluting the atmosphere with carbon, what it means to do nothing in the face of this danger, what our responsibility must be to the next generation.

Watching from a corner seat, I have to confess I was squirming. Gritting my teeth. Here’s this guy Pintek, reciting from random pieces of paper strewn on his desk, what he considers the facts about global warming — implying he knows more than the president of the National Wildlife Federation who has read enough scientific-reviewed studies on global warming to fill Pintek’s studio from floor to ceiling.

Perhaps the most telling moment was when Larry suggested during a break that despite what Pintek believed, his audience deserved to hear the other side of the story. Not missing a beat, Pintek replied, “No. No. That’s not my responsibility. This is a talk show.”

Pintek kept insisting he wanted to talk about wildlife, and he decided to keep Larry on air longer to do just that. One question after another, whether it was about invasive species, wolves, eagles, endangered species, the Chesapeake Bay, the deer population in Pennyslvania, etc., Larry answered with the full authority of a man who has devoted his life to protecting nature.

Raptors are birds of prey that hunt while in flight and use their feet to capture prey. The most famous raptor is the bald eagle, and for the continental United States, winter is the best season for viewing this majestic creature.  During the summer, bald eagles live and breed in Alaska and Canada. As the temperatures drop, bald eagles migrate south to hunt over large lakes and river for their primary prey, fish. They can be seen in every state except Hawaii, and are most commonly spotted over lakes in the Mississippi Valley, Pacific Northwest, Hudson River Valley and the Mid-Atlantic.

If you spot bald eagles or any other winter wildlife, visit the National Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Watch website to report your sightings. Wildlife Watch is a free educational program where participants can upload photos of wildlife, share stories and map the locations of their wildlife watching. Visit to learn more about citizen wildlife monitoring with NWF.

To learn more about watching for bald eagles, read Where the Eagles Are from National Wildlife magazine.