Rep. Harris Speaks Out Against Governor O’Malley’s Offshore Wind Energy Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2013

Rep. Harris Speaks Out Against Governor O’Malley’s Offshore Wind Energy Plan

Congressman cites increased utility costs for Maryland families as one reason for disapproval

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., released the following statement in objection to the plan for an offshore wind lease auction for an up-to-1.2-gigawatt site off of Ocean City, Maryland:

“Offshore wind energy production in Maryland will increase utility costs for every family in Maryland through the ‘wind energy tax’ passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed by Governor O'Malley. Offshore wind will also increase our federal deficit through federal taxpayer subsidies to big offshore wind energy companies, some even managed by political insiders like the Governor's former Chief of Staff. Offshore wind remains one of the most expensive forms of energy production, costing many times more than energy produced from clean, American natural gas. At a time when Maryland unemployment is increasing and the Maryland economy is stagnating, it is a shame the Governor is intent on harming Maryland families and hard-working taxpayers just to score political points in early presidential primary states.”