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Committee hears bill to direct MEA study of Maryland land‑based wind potential amid Pax River concerns

House Environment and Transportation Committee · February 18, 2026

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Summary

HB 629 would have the Maryland Energy Administration study the state’s potential for land‑based wind, mapping suitable sites while accounting for military radar and other local operational constraints; sponsors and witnesses noted improved turbine technology and DOD coordination but military testing and classified data at Pax River prompted questions from southern Maryland delegates.

Delegate Johnson presented HB 629, which would direct the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) to study land‑based wind potential in Maryland and identify where projects could and could not be sited. He said the study is intended to provide factual, data‑driven mapping to inform future development and to explore how other states balance wind with military operations.

Jamie DeMarco of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network testified in favor, saying land‑based wind is affordable and currently underused in Maryland; DeMarco cited existing Western Maryland projects (about 245 MW) and a levelized cost of approximately $49 per MWh compared with $74 per MWh for new gas turbines.

Delegate Morgan and other members representing districts near Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Pax River) pressed for clarity about radar impacts and whether classified Department of Defense data would limit the study. Morgan said he has 20 years’ experience working on radar clearance matters and warned that insufficient attention to Pax River constraints could threaten thousands of jobs. Proponents said the study would not force siting near Pax River but could work with DOD to identify exclusion zones; witnesses cited precedent where offshore operators agreed to temporarily curtail turbines during testing.

Evan Vaughn, executive director of the Mid‑Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, and other industry witnesses said technological advances make new siting options feasible and that DOD and FAA routinely coordinate with developers to assess airspace and radar issues. No formal vote was taken during the hearing.

The committee concluded the HB 629 hearing after questions and_panel testimony.