Wind Bill Receives Preliminary House Approval

A bill providing a public subsidy to offshore wind generation received preliminary approval from the House of Delegates Wednesday.

The bill, one of Gov. Martin O'Malley's initiatives for the 2013 Maryland General Assembly session, would add $1.50 to the average consumer's electric bill once the windmills are built and start generating electricity.

The turbines would likely be built 10 to 30 miles off the coast of Ocean City.

The bill was passed despite attempts by Republicans to derail it because of concerns about costs.

The House passed a similar bill last year but it later died in the Senate. The bill is expected to pass the General Assembly this year.

The House of Delegates could schedule a final vote on the legislation as early as Thursday or Friday.