As Maryland is considering the Offshore Wind Act, United Steelworks and Environment Maryland issued this study on the bill's effect on regional jobs:
Industry officials estimate a 500-megawatt wind park off the coast of Ocean City would create 2,000 manufacturing jobs over a five-year period, along with 400 permanent supply and maintenance positions.
"We are all hoping this wind energy industry creates a manufacturing hub for suppliers of off-shore wind farms throughout the Mid-Atlantic," said Brad Heavner of Environment Maryland.
Each wind turbine would contain up to 300 tons of steel. The cables that connect turbines to the grid are another piece of the manufacturing possibility.
Builders and steel workers said they see it as an opportunity to turn their industries around.
More on Environment Maryland here...