Energy concerns a hot topic for Maryland General Assembly

Lawmakers in Maryland will be addressing some pressing environmental issues on Wednesday as the General Assembly reconvenes in Annapolis. Among the top concerns are hydraulic fracking in the state’s western-most counties and wind farms off the coast of eastern counties. Governor Martin O’Malley has tried before to pass a bill that will allow off-shore wind energy to become a reality for Maryland–issues include funding, and provisions involving power companies. Fracking is a controversial method of extracting natural gas, that Montgomery county Delegate Heather Mizeur would like to see halted until an study ordered by Governor O’Malley can be completed. There is resistance from the Maryland Petroleum Council. Marylanders can be sure that energy concerns will be a hot topic of debate for delegates and representatives this year.