Wind Power News: Maryland
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Rep. Andy Harris erects new obstacle in path of Md. wind-farm projects
At least one of two offshore wind projects approved by Maryland utility regulators in May could be in jeopardy after an amendment sponsored by Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) that seeks to push the turbines farther from the coast was approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee in the past week. The amendment would block the use of federal funds to conduct reviews of site assessments or construction plans for any turbines closer than 24 nautical miles from the shoreline – funding . . .
Proposed wind farm runs into opposition in Ocean City, Congress
Ocean City officials are resisting a plan to build a wind farm off Maryland’s coast – among the first of its kind in the nation – and they are taking their fight to Congress. The $1.4 billion project, in the works for seven years, would put as many as 187 wind turbines off the coast of the state’s best-known beach destination. Though the developer has already moved the proposed site farther off shore than originally planned, town officials say the towering structures . . .
Offshore wind project still doesn’t add up
As Jeffrey M. Grybowski of Deepwater Wind has a vested interest in an offshore wind project that I criticized, it is not surprising that has chosen to spin the facts to his advantage (“Offshore wind power has a bright future in Md.,” July 18). In contrast, I have no such vested interest – other than a concern over the state spending my money and that of other residents in a wise and efficient manner. In my commentary (“Md. offshore wind projects . . .
Late distance amendment could derail offshore wind project
OCEAN CITY – Less than 24 hours after Ocean City officials voted to send another letter to potential offshore wind farm developers over the distance from shore issue, Congressman Andy Harris was successful in getting an amendment passed that could derail the project altogether. Harris, who represents Maryland’s first congressional district, on Tuesday was able to attach an amendment on a Department of the Interior appropriations bill that will prohibit the use of federal funds to conduct reviews of site assessments . . .
House Committee approves Harris Amendment on Ocean City wind turbines
MARYLAND – The House Appropriations Committee adopted an amendment introduced by Congressman Andy Harris to the Interior Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2018 on Tuesday. Officials say that this amendment blocks the use of federal money to review site assessment or construction and operation plans for wind turbines less than 24 nautical miles from the State of Maryland shoreline – the distance people would not be able to see the turbines from the shoreline and affect the view scape. Congressman Harris . . .
Wind power developer seeking review of PSC decision denying permit
CUMBERLAND – A wind energy developer is seeking judicial review of the Maryland Public Service Commission’s decision denying its request to construct a 17-turbine wind farm atop Dan’s Mountain. David Friend, managing partner of Laurel Renewable Partners, which controls project developer Dan’s Mountain Wind Force, said Friday he’s disappointed by the PSC’s June 16 decision to deny a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity – the necessary permit for the company to construct, own and operate the proposed farm. In its decision, . . .
Ocean City officials say wind turbines too close to coast an eyesore
OCEAN CITY, Md. — Recent approval of two wind farms off the coast of Ocean City is generating concern. Beach-goers, property owners and elected officials are worried that the distance of the wind farms from shore will change the view. In Ocean City, the beach matters. Its 10-mile sandy coast is the No. 1 asset in Maryland’s vacation capital. The quaint town of just more than 7,000 welcomes 345,000 visitors each summer. Hotels, condominiums, clubs, bars and restaurants exist because . . .
Maryland offshore wind projects may hurt, instead of help, environment
Starting in 2020 Maryland’s electricity consumers will be paying higher electric bills in order to subsidize two wind projects to be developed off the Ocean City waterfront. Over the lives of these projects the subsidies will total more than $2 billion. Despite this exorbitant cost the projects will deliver no environmental benefits and, most likely, will contribute to global warming. How did this lose-lose situation come about? Offshore wind development was a pet project of former Governor O’Malley. After several . . .
Delaware’s star-crossed history with offshore wind power
Two months ago, Maryland regulators signed off on the state’s first two offshore wind farms. There’s a catch, though. One of them is directly off the coast of Delaware, filling the space that was once expected to be home to the nation’s first ocean-going wind project. As Delaware Public Media’s James Dawson reports, that has some rethinking the future of wind power in the First State. Picture yourself lying in the sand on a hot summer day, watching the waves . . .
Offshore wind energy is wrong for Maryland
In May, the Maryland Public Service Commission approved electricity-rate increases to fund two wind projects off the Ocean City shoreline. Over their 20-year life spans, these projects will cost Maryland electricity consumers more than $2 billion. Will they deliver economic benefits that justify their costs? Almost certainly not. The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 created a 2.5 percent set-aside in the state’s renewable energy portfolio for offshore wind energy. The Offshore Wind Energy Act also authorized the Maryland . . .
