Elected officials and labor leaders joined business representatives and environmental advocates calling for fully permitted energy projects to move forward for the sake of all Marylanders.
Watch the recorded stream on Instagram HERE.
Videos of speakers will be uploaded after the event HERE.
BALTIMORE, MD – To reaffirm the value of offshore wind for stabilizing energy costs, creating family-sustaining jobs, and securing Maryland’s energy future, lawmakers and advocates came together today to call for continued clean energy development and local investment. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky, State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, and others spoke to dozens of supporters as part of the Maryland Day of Action for Offshore Wind.
“Investing in offshore wind is key to unlocking good-paying jobs, lowering energy costs, and guaranteeing a cleaner future for Maryland,” said Senator Van Hollen. “As the Trump Administration continues to roll back the clock on our wind energy progress to help his Big Oil financiers and friends, I’ll keep fighting to realize Maryland’s wind energy potential and ensure we stay on course toward a stronger, more sustainable, more affordable future for our state.”
“Offshore wind means good-paying jobs, cleaner air, and a stronger future for Maryland,” said Representative Johnny Olszewski. “Right here in Maryland’s Second Congressional District, projects like Sparrows Point Steel will support over 500 new jobs and thousands more across our state, all while lowering energy costs for working families. Investing in offshore wind isn’t just about energy—it’s about strengthening Maryland’s economy and environment for generations to come.”
“For so many of Maryland’s pressing questions, offshore wind energy is the answer. It benefits both the state’s climate and its economy. Offshore wind energy leads to more jobs for blue-collar workers and well-paying, year-round jobs in parts of the state that need them,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “The bottom line is that offshore wind energy projects will help expand energy production for a state and a regional grid that badly needs more reliable production to meet growing demand—and it will do so in a way that doesn’t compound the climate crisis.”
Today’s event, held at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24 office, underscored strong support for clean energy growth despite the Trump administration’s policies that prop up fossil fuels. Before a backdrop of a large digital “Yes to Wind” display, speakers emphasized widespread support for the continued development of offshore wind in Maryland. For instance, recent polling from June 2025 revealed that 7 in 10 Maryland voters supported the construction of offshore wind projects—across political lines.
“Offshore wind has enabled our Baltimore-based company to open offices in new markets like Rhode Island and New York as we followed the construction of five projects along the East Coast over the last few years,” said Lee Connor, Chairman of John S. Connor, Inc. “Our company has seen firsthand the increased economic activity and job creation because of U.S. offshore wind development, delivering thousands of good-paying jobs and tremendous local investment. Let’s all say, ‘yes to wind’ and to the host of economic and environmental benefits this American industry has already proven it can deliver.”
“1199 SEIU has fought to make life more affordable for working families across the state of Maryland—from fair wages to stable energy bills,” said Ricarra Jones, Political Director of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Offshore wind is a win for both our economy and our health. As healthcare workers, we know that clean energy saves lives. Reducing air pollution means fewer asthma attacks, fewer kids in emergency rooms, and healthier communities across Maryland. Offshore wind is the prescription our state needs for a cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable energy future.”
Maryland’s approved offshore wind projects, which secured federal permits in December 2024, are expected to deliver more than $800 million in local investment, including in steel manufacturing, port redevelopment, and direct commercial fishing support. These projects will power approximately 700,000 homes with affordable, reliable electricity and stabilize prices for Marylanders at a time when they are on the rise.
The Maryland Day of Action marked the first in a nationwide series of “Yes to Wind” events taking place across a dozen states this fall. Each event highlights growing momentum for offshore wind as a practical, homegrown energy solution that reduces carbon pollution while revitalizing local economies and stabilizing energy prices.
In Maryland, a broad coalition including the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, IBEW Local 24, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, Ironworkers Local 5, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, USW District 8, Shore Progress, BlueGreen Alliance, MAAREC Action, IUPAT District Council 51, Offshore Wind Alliance, and Oceantic Network, united around a shared message: Offshore wind is critical to building a resilient, affordable and American clean energy future for all.
“Offshore wind is an investment in reliable, affordable, homegrown energy for Maryland. Building offshore wind is critical to meet the expected growth in energy use due to data centers,” said State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian. “Moving these projects forward is crucial to help stabilize rising energy bills, diversify our energy supply, and build a more resilient, clean, and abundant energy future for our state.”
“Offshore wind will provide job opportunities for the members of IBEW Local 24,” said Michael McHale, Business Manager, IBEW Local 24. “We will put our skills to work in the supply chain, building manufacturing facilities, onshore helping to build maintenance and marshalling infrastructure, and offshore performing the electrical work on the turbines, cabling, and maritime substations.”
Watch the full-length video of the press conference HERE
and videos of each speaker HERE.
Contact:
KC Chartrand, Communications Director, CCAN, 240-620-7144, [email protected]
Stephanie Francoeur, SVP Communications & External Affairs, Oceantic Network, 603-770-5280, [email protected]
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