The third time could be the charm for Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's push to get state legislators to support a 200-MW offshore wind project. Passage of enabling legislation now appears likely as the primary statehouse opponent of two past efforts has exited a key committee.

Two bills introduced in the House of Delegates and state Senate on Jan. 28 are substantially identical to legislation that was blocked in the Senate Finance Committee by Sen. Anthony Muse. With his departure, the committee's chairman, Sen. Thomas Middleton (D), says the bill has enough votes to clear the panel. O'Malley (D) said on Jan. 29 that 24 Maryland senators are co-sponsors, enough for passage. The House approved the bill last year by a 2-1 margin.