MARCH 31, 2023
US Wind joins local officials, minority business leaders, and union labor in applauding Governor Wes Moore’s visionary offshore wind announcement
(March 31, 2023, Baltimore, Md.) — Today, Baltimore-based US Wind, Inc. (US Wind) and other Maryland leaders applauded Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s history-making announcement during the 2023 International Partnering Forum in Baltimore, which gave a major boost to the state’s rapidly growing offshore wind energy industry. Under Governor Moore’s leadership, Maryland is poised to lead on clean energy generation, offshore wind manufacturing, and jobs for the 21st century.
“Our administration is serious about offshore wind, and Maryland is ready to lead,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We need all hands on deck in this crucial moment — so we can strengthen Maryland’s supply chain, leverage our state’s assets, and put Marylanders to work in clean energy jobs centered on logistics and manufacturing. If we join together in partnership, we can make Maryland the offshore wind capital of the United States.”
Governor Moore announced that Maryland will aim to quadruple the amount of energy produced by offshore wind from about 2 gigawatts to 8.5 gigawatts, which is enough to power nearly three million homes. The governor said the state has plans to significantly increase its offshore wind output and prioritize wind energy partnerships, creating significant economic and job creation opportunities in the state.
“Governor Moore’s announcement is a homerun for the people of Maryland,” said Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO. “He has a big and bold vision that aims to make Maryland the national leader in this new industry and will create thousands of jobs in the process. Governor Moore is the person we need right now to achieve a clean energy future for Maryland.”
Local officials, minority business leaders, and union labor joined US Wind to applaud Governor Moore’s leadership in transitioning to a clean energy future.
“Maryland can — and will be — a national leader for offshore wind and Governor Moore’s announcement is a major win for Baltimore County as we continue transforming into a premiere hub for renewable energy projects,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “These projects will help combat climate change while creating hundreds of high-quality jobs in our communities and we look forward to working with our partners at the State, US Wind, Tradepoint Atlantic, and beyond to ensure the future of America’s green economy continues to be built — literally — at Sparrows Point.”
“Governor Moore’s record-shattering announcement means so much to so many across the state, especially minority owned businesses like Strum Contracting,” said Teaera Strum, CEO of Strum Contracting Company, Inc. “Offshore wind will not only improve air quality and combat climate change, but also uplift under-served communities while creating career opportunities and economic vitality. Strum Contracting is thrilled for Governor Moore’s leadership and for US Wind’s commitment to delivering offshore wind and good paying jobs to Marylanders.”
“The Steelworkers couldn’t be happier to hear Governor Moore’s commitment to make Maryland a leader in offshore wind manufacturing,” said Jim Strong, United Steelworkers Offshore Wind Assistant. “Sparrows Point Steel, Maryland’s first permanent offshore wind facility, is being built on Steelworkers’ hallowed ground at the site of the former Bethlehem Steel. Our partnership with US Wind will create good union jobs for this new renewable energy industry right here in Baltimore County. Governor Moore’s announcement and the work of the Maryland state legislature will position Maryland as a leader in offshore wind manufacturing for decades to come.”
“The future of offshore wind energy presents an incredible opportunity for minorities to get into the energy industry and make a difference in their communities,” said Pamela Minor, president of the Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce. “The potential of offshore wind power is immense, with massive potential for job creation and economic growth. As we move forward in achieving Governor Moore’s history-making goal of 8.5 gigawatts for Maryland, it is essential that we work together to ensure that all people have access to the opportunities presented by offshore wind energy. We’re proud to be working with US Wind on this effort.”
“IBEW Local 24 is thrilled to hear Governor Moore’s new offshore wind goal for Maryland,” said Mike McHale, Business Manager, Local 24. “Our partnership with US Wind is a top priority for our union. This announcement solidifies the Governor’s commitment, along with the commitment of the Maryland state legislature, to clean energy and union jobs in the state.”
The governor also announced that the administration is working to establish new lease areas and strengthen the offshore wind supply chain in the state. Meanwhile, the Maryland General Assembly is set to pass the complimentary Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act of 2023 (Senate Bill 0781 / House Bill 0793), which also calls for Maryland to boost its offshore wind generation goals to 8.5 gigawatts, improve its transmission infrastructure, and provide a pathway to future procurement of offshore wind energy in the state.
The governor’s announcement comes on the heels of US Wind’s new partnership with Haizea Wind Group to manage and operate Sparrows Point Steel, Maryland’s first permanent offshore wind factory in Baltimore County, Maryland. The facility will manufacture steel components for the U.S. offshore wind industry, including monopiles and towers, while creating hundreds of jobs for local unions and minority businesses.