Bohanan Calls Windmill Veto a ‘Disappointment’

Statement by Delegate John Bohanan on the veto of House Bill 1168

First, I want to restate my personal commitment to renewable sources of energy. I supported the Governor on his signature offshore wind bill in support of our environment, and have taken other tough votes when I thought it was the right thing to do.

The Legislature took a decisive act with a strong vote in support of the men and women at Pax River who work so hard each and every day to protect our fellow Americans who proudly wear the uniform in defense of our Country. This veto ignores the $2M study currently underway to find a real solution to allow wind energy and sensitive radar systems to coexist. It also advances a State approval process without respecting the US Navy’s procedure to evaluate the actual impact this could have on the great work we do at Pax to ensure the safety and survivability of our military who are sent into harms way.

I am disappointed by a veto that protects investors from an expiring federal tax credit over the job security concerns of Maryland families who work at Pax River Naval Air Station.

I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in the Legislature who did the right thing and I will continue to work hard in support of the DoD process to evaluate the impact this has to our national security.

I remain committed to deploying alternative sources of energy in our state. However, this bill was never about supporting or opposing alternative energy – it’s intent was to provide enough time to conclude a taxpayer-funded study into whether there is a way we can move forward with wind energy investment without adversely affecting operations at Pax River or having to interrupt or scale back the proposed wind project in Somerset County.

Delegate John Bohanan, MD 29B

 

 Sources: Maryland Govenor’s blog; Del. John Bohanan MD 29B

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