Maryland Public Service Commission Green Lights Offshore Wind Project
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In a decision that will position Maryland as a national leader in offshore wind energy, the Maryland Public Service Commission awarded offshore wind renewable energy credits (ORECs) to two projects to be built off the coast of Maryland. The decision enables U.S. Wind, Inc. and Skipjack Offshore Energy, LLC to construct 368 megawatts of capacity, together yielding over $1.8 billion of in-state spending, spurring the creation of almost 9,700 new direct and indirect jobs and contributing $74 million in state tax revenues over 20 years.
“The approval today of the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind projects brings to fruition the General Assembly’s efforts to establish Maryland as a regional hub for this burgeoning industry,” said W. Kevin Hughes, the Commission Chairman. “We have taken great care to ensure that this decision maximizes economic and environmental benefits to the state while minimizing costs to Maryland ratepayers.” |
Assateague Coastal Trust applauds the Maryland Public Service Commission’s decision which is a win-win for the environment and economy. Beyond reducing Maryland’s carbon emissions by 19,000 tons of carbon per year, thousands of good-paying jobs will also be created here on Delmarva.
