Wind energy bill clears Senate

Source: Baltimore Sun

Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to encourage development of a wind energy farm off the coast of Ocean City cleared a major hurdle Friday as the Maryland Senate passed the bill 30-17.

The proposal, designed to spark an offshore wind industry by subsidizing its developer, now goes to the Maryland House of Delegates. The House has passed a similar bill but needs to consider minor changes made in a Senate committee.

If the project is built, most utility customers would be charged an extra $1.50 per month to pay for the electricity it generates. Maryland already has several land-based wind farms in the western portion of the state.

This session marks the third time O'Malley has tried to pass an offshore wind plan. O'Malley said Friday he was "elated" the Senate passed the bill.

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-senate-wind-online-20130308,0,5306191.story