Introducing: The Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act
Offshore wind is one of Maryland’s most abundant natural resources and we're uniquely capable of leverging that advantage because our state is already a technology and innovation leader. In 2022, Maryland passed the Climate Solutions Now Act, which sets ambitious goals for climate pollution reduction (60% reduction by 2031). Additionally, Maryland has set a renewable energy goal of 50% by 2030. Now we need to keep moving ahead to reach those goals.
The Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act will build essential transmission infrastructure for increased offshore wind energy, including more wind turbines, while protecting ratepayers and strengthening labor standards. Introduced by Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (District 20), the POWER Act would bring union jobs to Maryland, improve public health outcomes, and lower energy costs for Marylanders. Offshore wind energy is essential to meeting state-mandated greenhouse gas reduction goals.
We're calling on Maryland lawmakers to support the expansion of offshore wind power by setting an offshore wind goal of 8.5 GW by 2031, initiating a state process to coordinate transmission infrastructure, and investing in the full build-out of the existing lease areas. Enacting these measures will help establish Maryland as epicenter for the clean-energy economy -- increasing jobs and manufacturing while reducing energy costs and health risks. Pass the POWER Act in 2023!
