Offshore wind subject of Baltimore town hall forum

Environmentalists and union leaders plan to gather in Baltimore to push for offshore wind power off Maryland’s coast.

The town hall forum is scheduled Wednesday night at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Supporters say offshore wind power can provide clean energy for years to come, as well jobs in construction and maintenance, and improved public health. Environment Maryland says health advocates and religious leaders also plan to attend.

An offshore wind power bill failed in the state legislature during the last session amid questions over how much the power would cost ratepayers and who would build the offshore turbines. The bill supported by Gov. Martin O’Malley would have required utilities to enter into long-term contracts.

The governor has said his administration is working on another bill.