Video by Katie Smith/CNS-TV
BALTIMORE–Governor Martin O’Malley and U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar addressed the American Wind Energy Association Tuesday, affirming their interest in bringing offshore wind energy to America.
The two touted the technology as a solution both to environmental concerns and as a way to help create jobs.
Gov. O’Malley proposed a wind farm to be built off the coast of Ocean City, Md. However, during the last session state legislators killed the proposal, citing the need for more information on the topic.
“We are very much committed to making offshore wind a reality off the coast of Delmarva,” O’Malley said.
The Interior Department has identified sites off of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey as potential places for offshore wind farms. The first and only U.S. wind farm’s lease was signed by Secretary Salazar at the 2010 AWEA conference.