by Mark Del Franco on Tuesday 23 November 2010
The first Maryland wind power projects are nearing completion and are expected to begin commercial operation by the end of the year, according to Frank Maisano, a wind industry spokesperson.
Two Garrett County, Md., wind projects are expected to begin commercial operation in a matter of weeks, even as opponents consider taking legal action against the facilities.
Constellation Energy is nearing commercial operation of a 28-turbine wind project, which is slated to become commercially operational by the end of December. Synergics will also begin testing a 20-turbine wind farm atop Maryland’s Backbone Mountain.
However, heavy opposition could mean delay, as opponents are considering legal action under what they claim are violations of the Endangered Species Act.
Save Western Maryland, an environmental advocacy group, says the wind projects will adversely affect Indiana bats and Virginia big-eared bats, both classified as federal endangered species.
Despite the opposition, both wind energy projects are big developments for Maryland – a state with no operating wind farms, Maisano says.
“The state of Maryland has been trying to move off its zero for years, and the legislature has been pushing [for the development of wind energy].”
