The Biden administration recently announced a proposal for the offshore wind lease sale in the Central Atlantic Ocean, with the support of urged by Maryland’s U.S. senators, Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin.
The proposed lease sale of two previously designated parcels in the Central Atlantic Ocean is scheduled for this year. The commitment to identifying additional acreage off Maryland’s shores as Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) for a subsequent lease sale in 2025 underscores the administration’s responsiveness to state and local leaders, and dedication to long-term clean energy strategies.
“Offshore wind energy stands as a source of encouragement in the fight against climate change and the transition toward clean-energy alternatives,” said Josh Tulkin, director of the Maryland Sierra Club. “We commend Senators Van Hollen and Cardin, and the Biden administration, for their commitment to expanding renewable energy resources and accelerating the transition to a more resilient and just energy landscape. While we are disappointed that leasing area B-1, or similar areas, were not released, we are encouraged that there is a process in place to open additional areas. Maryland cannot reach its clean energy goals without additional space being made available.”
“We look forward to greater collaboration on decarbonization efforts across the Central Atlantic, and bringing about a clean energy future that is fair, equitable, and beneficial for all communities,” he said.
Maryland has a goal of developing 8.5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2035, and these announced leasing areas will put the state one step closer to reaching its goal with the assurance that more areas will be leased in the near future.
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