Rallying for Offshore Wind in Annapolis

On Wednesday, Maryland PIRG Director Emily Scarr joined climate activists and environmental organizations for a rally to support increased generation of offshore wind in Maryland.

The POWER Act (SB781/HB793) sets Maryland up to be a leader in offshore wind by making necessary upgrades to our grid, setting an ambitious goal of 8.5 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2031 and building another gigawatt of offshore wind in existing lease areas. The bill is sponsored by Senator Katie Fry Hester and Del. Lorig Charkoudian.

As Emily Scarr said at the rally, “Offshore wind generation is critical to reach our goals of transitioning to 100% clean, renewable energy for the state. This will help save ratepayers money, also reducing pollution that harms our health and our climate.”

Maryland has ample potential to harness offshore wind’s power. Maryland has the technical potential to generate 96.3 Terawatt hours (Twh) from offshore wind power, which would generate 159% of the 2019 electric sales in the state.

The rally, hosted by CCAN Action Fund, came as the Maryland State Senate is expected to begin final debate on the policy. The bill passed out of the Senate Environment Committee on Tuesday.

In Annapolis this morning to cheer on the State Senate to pass the POWER Act to expand offshore wind to help Maryland achieve 100% clean, renewable energy to lower utility bills and reduce pollution that harms our health and the planet. #MDGA23 pic.twitter.com/DLEYdYGhEQ

— Maryland PIRG (@MarylandPIRG) March 15, 2023