ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A measure to help develop offshore wind in Maryland has advanced in the state Senate.
The bill received preliminary approval on Thursday, after the Democrat-controlled Senate rejected several amendments offered by Republicans.
Critics oppose a provision that would make residents pay as much as $1.50 a month on their electric bills, once energy is generated by offshore wind. Businesses could see increases of up to 1.5 percent.
The Senate may take up the bill again on Friday for a vote. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller says they will try to finish work on it then, but he noted they might not be able to finish until next week.
