SPARROWS POINT, Md. —  A new measure signed into law by Governor Wes Moore will quadruple Maryland’s offshore wind commitment, drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help the state transition to a clean energy economy, while prioritizing wildlife and habitat protection.

“Offshore wind power provides a path for cleaner, safer energy that powers our homes while providing jobs and economic investments for our state,” said Jen Mihills, executive director for the National Wildlife Federation’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Center. “We are proud to stand with Governor Moore and Marylanders on this commitment to combatting the climate crisis and positioning Maryland as an energy leader. We look forward to working with industry leaders and policymakers to ensure that Maryland’s offshore wind works alongside communities and protects our beloved coastal and marine ecosystems.” 

“With the enactment of the bipartisan POWER Act, Maryland is poised to become a hub for responsible development of offshore wind, a critical source of renewable energy needed to lower our carbon emissions and combat climate change,” said Jennifer Driban, Chief Mission Officer of the National Aquarium. “We were proud to work with lawmakers and our partners at the National Wildlife Federation to ensure the state’s buildout of offshore wind prioritizes wildlife and habitat protections. The ocean is a source of climate solutions, such as offshore wind. We applaud Governor Wes Moore for signing the POWER Act and for his administration’s leadership toward a clean energy future that will benefit people and wildlife.” 

The POWER Act would increase Maryland’s offshore wind production to 8.5 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2031, enough to power more than 4 million homes. This aligns with the state’s strong emission reduction goals set by the Climate Solutions Now Act and subsequent pledge by the Moore administration to put Maryland on track to generate 100 percent clean energy by 2035. The measure also stipulates community benefits agreements that ensure community voices and input are integral to the process, requires prospective developers to provide initial plans to mitigate impacts to wildlife and habitat, and incentivizes developers to make financial and technical contributions to wildlife research and monitoring.

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