Offshore Wind Farm, Department of Energy
At the Maryland Chapter of Sierra Club, we envision a Maryland where all people have clean air to breathe; where homes, schools, and workplaces are safe and healthy; and where our energy system is strong, equitable, and affordable. We believe that protecting our air, water, land, and wildlife for future generations means making bold, systemic changes now — shifting from fossil fuels to 100% clean, renewable energy across our buildings and power grid.
Offshore wind can play a huge role in Maryland’s clean energy future. After a decade of work, Maryland’s first offshore wind project, owned by US Wind, is poised to start construction next year. When complete, this project would power 718,000 homes and provide 2,680 new stable, well-paying jobs.
Sierra Club has been an advocate for offshore wind for over a decade, educating the public and policy makers, providing input to ensure development benefits Marylanders and our environment.
Recent Updates
Offshore wind projects are under attack by the Trump Administration, Maryland’s project is now at risk. With old fossil fuel generation poised to retire and data centers putting strain on the grid, getting Maryland’s project operational is not just important for the climate, but also for our health and our electrical bills.
Benefits of Offshore Wind in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic
Offshore wind has many advantages as an energy source:
- Wind power is cost-effective and overall cheaper than fossil fuels.
- Wind energy has the smallest carbon footprint of any energy source.
- Wind energy creates jobs and wind turbine technician is one of the fastest growing American jobs according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.The Maryland Sierra Club is dedicated to facilitating development of wind projects in Maryland.
- The US Wind offshore project is expected to create thousands of good-paying jobs and drive economic growth.
- Offshore wind is much more efficient, sustainable and safe than offshore drilling to meet our energy demands.
- Wind energy does not pollute the air like power plants that rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal or fracked gas.
- Wind turbines don't emit particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.
- Wind turbines produce energy without causing acid rain, smog, or greenhouse gases.
- Increasing wind energy in Maryland can aid in the development of sustainable energy grids and economic growth.
Additional Resources
2024 Webinar on Offshore Wind Offshore Wind Alliance Webpage
Sierra Club National Webpage on Offshore Wind
What We’re Doing
The Maryland Chapter is promoting Maryland offshore wind by:
- working to keep current projects on track
- ensuring projects are defending in court against federal administration attacks countering misinformation
- building grassroots engagement and support for offshore wind across Maryland.
How You Can Help
Join our Energy Committee by contacting Field Organizer, Zoe Layton at zoe.layton@mdsierra.org
Join our Emergency Briefing on Offshore Wind on October 8 at 7 PM.
Add your name to the YES to Offshore Wind petition below.
Add Your Name: Say YES to Offshore Wind!
