Thanks to Middleton, Jameson for wind energy efforts

As of May 11, Maryland is now the national leader in offshore wind energy. On that date, the Maryland Public Service Commission approved plans for two offshore wind projects — the largest offshore renewable energy commitment in the nation. This is an important milestone for a vision that began years ago with the passage of the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013.

There are many heroes of this effort, but I would be remiss if not to take a moment to highlight the leadership of Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton (D-Charles) and Del. Sally Y. Jameson (D-Charles). Senator Middleton’s long-standing support of offshore wind as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and equal commitment from Delegate Jameson, as vice chairwoman of the Economic Matters Committee, helped keep Maryland

on track to host the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind project.

Thanks to Senator Middleton, Delegate Jameson and their colleagues, Marylanders stand to reap the renewable and economic development rewards of being a “first-mover.” Now that we have planted the offshore wind flag in Maryland, global supply chain companies are making plans to locate manufacturing and fabrication facilities within the State. These facilities will create thousands of well-paying jobs and spur millions of dollars of economic investment in infrastructure upgrades for the region.

And, by injecting 250 megawatts of clean energy into our power grid, we may finally be able to reduce the hidden “congestion fees” charged to ratepayers across Maryland because the grid is out of balance. In short, offshore wind is good for Maryland’s economy, its workforce, its ratepayer and our environment.

Thank you Senator Middleton and Delegate Jameson for your steadfast leadership to get us to this moment.

Paul Rich, Hunt Valley