Implementing the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013

Time: Tue, October 1, 12:15pm – 1:45pm

Location: 1203 Van Munching Hall

In 2013, the Maryland State Legislature passed one of Governor O’Malley’s signature policy initiatives – the development of the substantial offshore wind energy resources in Maryland’s coastal waters. The legislation will provide support from 200 to 500 MW of wind capacity, which will reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Governor’s office also estimates the development will support 850 new jobs and substantial economic activity in the state. In this forum, Abigail Hopper will discuss the key aspects of this new and occasionally complex legislation, and discuss the challenges and opportunities for implementing it in a way that will encourage in-state job growth, economic activity, and energy security.

Abigail Ross Hopper, Esq., has served as Director of the Maryland Energy Administration since 2012 and has been at the helm of Governor O’Malley’s energy policy as Energy Advisor to the Governor and since 2010. In her both of her positions in Annapolis, she regularly advises the Governor on achieving the State’s aggressive renewable energy and energy efficiency goals. She also interfaces with energy businesses, including the State’s utilities, and coordinates the interaction between the Governor’s Office and both the Public Service Commission and the Maryland Energy Administration. Prior to her appointments, Ms. Hopper spent three years as Deputy General Counsel with the Maryland Public Service Commission. Before embarking on a career in public service, Ms. Hopper spent over 9 years in private practice, where she specialized in complex litigation and corporate law. Ms. Hopper graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1999, after obtaining her B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1993.