Offshore Wind Passes in Senate, Gov. O’Malley’s Signature Next

Gov. Martin O’Malley’s offshore wind energy bill was approved by the Senate Friday. The legislation will funnel ratepayer subsidies toward the construction of a wind power farm 10 to 30 miles off the coast of Ocean City.

Drilling vs. Renewables – Md. Debate Over Energy Mirrors National Fight

Republicans and Democrats are at odds in the General Assembly over whether Maryland should pursue offshore wind or natural gas fracking as a way to improve the state’s energy output.

Ban on Arsenic in Poultry Feed Inches Closer to Approval

After three years of failed attempts, efforts to pass a ban on arsenic in poultry feed used by the state’s chicken farms appear close to fruition. Eastern Shore senators largely opposed SB 207, sponsored by Sen. Paul Pinsky, D-Prince George’s, on the basis that it would be detrimental to the state’s struggling poultry farms.

Possible Doubling of Flush Tax Worries Some Legislators

A number of legislators are concerned that Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposal to raise the flush tax from $2.50 to $5 a month to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay could be too much for constituents to handle, especially in a bad economy.