Popular Posts

Friday, February 22, 2013

Taxing Winds Blowing Offshore

by Delegate Mike McDermott

There is a lot of hot air blowing around Annapolis these days regarding the viability of Offshore Wind. The governor and his acolytes would have you believe that the cost will be limited to less than two bucks a month for ratepayers, and we should be thrilled with the prospect.

It would be bad enough if this was the only electricity tax we had to pay over the next 25-years, but it is just the beginning. While Businesses in Maryland will be charged the lion’s share of the taxes and fees associated with this boondoggle, it is the consumer who will actually be footing the bill. As a result, you will be paying much higher prices for every quart of milk and every piece of clothing you buy from a store as a result of the wind tax.

It was interesting to see the paper defend (and even call it straight up) “crony capitalism” when it comes to wind development. The billions spent building these 50-story behemoths would only provide enough energy on a windy day to power 60,000 homes. Given that just one reactor at Calvert Cliffs provides enough clean energy for over half a million homes (with no surcharges or taxes), it is quite clear that offshore wind power is just not a good investment.

We refuse to develop our vast natural gas reserves or even include them in our “green” portfolio. Having a politically correct approach when crafting your energy policy has served to provide our people with rates which are 500% greater than we can purchase from other green sources.

I offered an amendment to this bill which would have required our energy providers purchase their green energy mandates from the cheapest source available so our families could be spared the high costs. This was rejected by those who are under their own mandate from the governor to advance this bill no matter the cost.

Instead of focusing on real energy policies that could move Maryland forward and make our region energy independent, those in charge will strap our future to a horse that can’t win, place, or show. These folks would not even allow us to pass an amendment that would require the equipment be manufactured in America, and they tell us this is a “jobs bill” for Maryland.

There is green energy that makes sense, and it is being produced without the need for subsidies which only serve to stymie innovation and limit our resource development.

Marylanders, don’t get “blown away” by the rhetoric…take back your state!

6 comments:

  1. It wont pass,to many limosine liberals live along the water.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It passed the House today on a vote of 86-48..."limosine's" aside...
    -Delegate McDermott

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't understand the reason for the tax. Is it just another way to muddy the waters on wind energy or is it to pay for the project? If it's to pay for the project why won't the profits that come from energy generated and sold pay for it? Could it be that the tax payers are funding this just in case the whole project turns to crap like that solindra thing? I'm confused.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The cost is too high and that is why the private sector will not take the risk. The government will make you pay the cost to make it more interesting for the private sector to invest. There is also a guarantee that Marylander's will be required to purchase a certain amount of their energy from Offshore wind. Certainly not the cheapest way to buy your electricty! But then again, this is designed to fill up the political correct energy portfolio...sooooo...get out your wallet.-Delegate McDermott

    ReplyDelete
  5. 10:20, you are exactly correct on all counts. There will be no profits; and anyone with any sense can tell. Look at all the private investors rushing to get in on the ground floor. Zero. They have done the math and elected to keep their money in the bank drawing .00002 percent interest.

    ReplyDelete
  6. the electric companies control annapolis, you people are fools!
    you should be used to being lied to and screwed by now! shame you are so dumb the democrat politicians play you like a bunch of cheap fiddles! Keep voting them in!
    Talk about disfunctional. I don't know who's worse them or you!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.