ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)- An offshore wind bill that would require utilities to buy renewable energy credits has passed the Maryland House of Delegates.
Lawmakers approved the measure Friday in an 86-48 vote.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
Under the measure, Maryland residents could pay as much as $1.50 a month more once energy is generated by offshore wind, while businesses could see increases of up to 1.5 percent.
The bill would also create the infrastructure for an offshore wind farm off the coast of Ocean City, expected to house about 40 wind turbines.
Delegate Mike McDermott, an Eastern Shore Republican, called the legislation a "boondoggle" and noted that it would cost consumers thousands of dollars over the next 25 years.
There are currently no offshore wind farms in the U.S.
