Maryland and Federal Government Collaborate on Offshore Wind Energy

The Department of the Interior has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Maryland supporting the development of offshore wind energy generation.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein, and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi were present for the signing ceremony in Annapolis along with Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore.

The MOU will see BOEM and the State continue their exploration and identification of potential areas for offshore wind leasing. The Central Atlantic Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force will also continue its work with the state and other stakeholders to address challenges associated with the siting of offshore wind leasing areas.

In April 2023, Governor Wes Moore signed the POWER Act, setting a new target of achieving 8.5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2031.

“Offshore wind means new manufacturing jobs, higher wages, and more opportunity to grow wealth for Maryland families,” said Governor Moore.

President Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, said the administration will continue to work closely with Maryland to develop additional areas for offshore wind leasing in the Central Atlantic and grow the industry responsibly.

“The Biden-Harris administration will continue to use every available tool to ensure American workers and communities reap the economic and environmental benefits of this growing industry in Maryland and across the country,” she said.

This commitment is part of the ongoing efforts of the Biden-Harris administration to promote renewable energy. So far, the Department has approved the country’s first eight commercial scale offshore wind projects, held four offshore wind lease auctions, and advanced the process to establish additional Wind Energy Areas in Oregon, the Gulf of Maine, and the Central Atlantic.

“BOEM is proud of our commitment to build a robust offshore wind industry that benefits communities and co-exists with other ocean uses,” said BOEM Director Klein. “This Memorandum of Understanding solidifies our partnership to collaborate on expanding the opportunities for offshore wind energy in the Central Atlantic.”

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