NJ a Model for MD Offshore Wind, Advocates Say

Environmentalists and offshore wind industry officials say a New Jersey law is a model for developing the industry in Maryland.

The New Jersey law signed two years ago mandates 1,100 megawatts of offshore wind be sold in the state, but doesn't require utilities to enter into long-term contracts. That would have been required under a Maryland bill that failed to make it out of the legislature last year because of concerns about the cost to ratepayers.

Gov. Martin O'Malley says his administration plans another bill but has not revealed any details.

Supporters of the New Jersey law say it is based on a similar law that has been successful in promoting that state's solar power industry by requiring utilities to purchase solar-energy production certificates or pay a fee.

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