WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Maryland General Assembly passed the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act. This legislation increases Maryland’s offshore wind (OSW) goals to 8.5 gigawatts by 2031 and establishes high-road labor standards across OSW manufacturing, construction, operations, and maintenance through the requirement for Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and Labor Peace Agreements (LPAs). The POWER Act also initiates a state process to coordinate transmission infrastructure and prioritize in-state manufacturing.

Manufacturing jobs in particular provide the largest job creation opportunity in the offshore wind sector. This bill directly aligns with the goal Maryland Governor Wes Moore has set for the state’s OSW industry.

Following the bill passage, BlueGreen Alliance Regional Field Organizer Dan Taylor issued the following statement:

“Today is a wonderful day for Maryland’s offshore wind industry as well as the workers and communities that power this industry. By passing the POWER Act, Maryland has fast tracked their state towards its clean energy goals and tied good union jobs to future construction and manufacturing in local communities. The POWER Act delivers on the dual promise of good-paying, safe jobs and a reduction of the emissions driving climate change. The BlueGreen Alliance is proud to support this legislation and its implementation.”