Wind
How Does MAREC Action Advocate for Wind Energy?
MAREC Action advocates for policies that promote the continued expansion of wind energy in the PJM region. Onshore wind has been a reliable energy resource for decades, and the region’s first offshore wind farms are now in advanced development stages.
Onshore Wind
With its abundant wind resources, especially in areas like western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and parts of Ohio, the PJM region has seen consistent growth in onshore wind development over the past decade. This growth has been driven by a combination of state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), federal tax incentives, and advances in wind turbine technology that have improved efficiency and lowered costs. Onshore wind is one of the most cost-competitive energy resources, delivering clean, reliable energy to the grid.
Offshore Wind
New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia have set ambitious offshore wind targets. Offshore wind is ideally suited to address our growing energy needs – approximately 80 percent of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles of the coast, and the mid-Atlantic coast has strong, reliable wind resources. The mid-Atlantic states are poised to become a hub for offshore wind supply chain growth, bringing jobs, economic development, and investment to the region.
MAREC Action Wind Policy Priorities
- Encourage multi-state collaboration for proactive offshore wind transmission planning
- Support states in achieving offshore wind targets through regularly scheduled procurements
- Expand and protect state RPS policies and renewable energy credits (RECs) for onshore wind resources
State Level Action
New Jersey
In 2023 MAREC Action founded the New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance (NJOWA) a coalition of offshore wind developers interested in the Garden State. NJOWA advocates to ensure that New Jersey achieves its ambitious offshore wind goals.
Maryland and Delaware
MAREC Action worked closely with lawmakers, environmental groups, labor unions, and other stakeholders to help pass offshore wind legislation in Maryland (2023) and Delaware (2024). We are now working in both states to support successful implementation of these laws while educating policymakers on the benefits of multi-state collaboration for offshore wind transmission.
West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio
MAREC Action has engaged with policymakers in our region’s inland states to highlight the benefits onshore wind projects bring to local communities. We have also provided support in amending legislation affecting onshore wind projects, addressing such issues as with taxation, military airspace concerns, Federal Aviation Administration permitting, and other issues.
