Governors' Wind Energy Coalition

The Maryland Senate on Friday cleared a measure that would make it easier to develop wind energy off the coast of Ocean City.

The bill that for years has been a pet project of Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) would require electricity suppliers to buy offshore renewable energy credits. It passed in the Senate on a 30-15 vote.

“It’s an affirmative step by the Legislature, so it allows us to go out and look for the art of the deal that will get these things built,” O’Malley said in a brief interview after the Senate vote.

The bill would increase electric bills by about $1.50 per month.

Republicans were less excited about the bill.

“This is not the path,” said state Sen. E.J. Pipkin. “This is a private enrichment bill. Our citizens deserve better than this from us, and that’s why, ladies and gentlemen, I believe this is the dumbest idea ever” (Brian Witte, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, March 8)