Announcement

"Protecting our Shore way of life"

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

The following appeared in the fall 2024 Ocean Pines Report: https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/quarterly-newsletters

Those of us living here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore are blessed and fortunate with daily opportunities to take in a breath-taking sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, to go fishing, crabbing or boating in our Coastal Bays, or to just walk along the trails in Ocean Pines, Assateague or other local parks. Along with the enjoyment of these natural assets comes the responsibility of protecting our Shore way of life today and for future generations.

Opposing offshore wind energy industrialization

As the State Senator representing Maryland’s only ocean beach town and all of Worcester County, I consistently have been steadfast in my opposition to offshore wind energy industrialization of the Atlantic Ocean off Maryland’ Coast, going back to 2017.

Since the beginning of these discussions of developing offshore wind energy projects off Ocean City, I have conducted my own research and listened to the deep concerns of my constituents about both the immediate and long-term negative impacts of these projects over time.

The facts of the proposed offshore wind energy projects are alarming. US Wind has applied to build 114 wind turbines in the ocean as close as 10.7 miles from Ocean City. The turbines will be clearly visible from our beach, and the government’s own environmental impact study acknowledges possible harm to marine life, a negative impact on commercial fishing, and disruptions to navigation. In addition, US Wind has applied for a permit to build a 10,000 square-foot concrete pier in the West Ocean City Harbor, which would devastate the local commercial fishing industry and forever change the iconic nature of the local harbor.

To add insult to injury, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has moved forward with plans for a proposed second lease area for the construction of offshore wind turbines as close as 3.5 miles from the Ocean City shoreline. There is a 60-day public comment period from Aug. 22-Oct. 21, 2024, and individuals may comment by navigating to Regulations.gov and searching for BOEM-2024-0040.

As I have done since 2017, I will take every public opportunity to be on the record in strong opposition to the proposed wind energy industrialization projects, and I encourage you to do the same and make your voice heard. See SaveOceanCIty.org for more information!

Advocating for our Maryland Coastal Bays

One way to support the Maryland Coastal Bays is to purchase Maryland’s new “Bays” license plate to include the Coastal Bays. The new plate reads: Protect the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. It was unveiled in July at Assateague State Park’s Living Shoreline with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Chesapeake Bay Trust, and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.

We’re already seeing more Marylanders purchase the new “Bays” tag with the additional funds from these sales targeted to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. We also expect to see more Marylanders and beyond support, explore, protect and enjoy Maryland’s stunning coastal bays which include Sinepuxent, Isle of Wight, Chincoteague, Assawoman, and Newport.

Supporting parental rights – voting no on Question 1

Along with valuing our natural resources on the Shore, we also value our Shore families, including the rights of parents. That is why I am voting against Question 1, the “Reproductive Freedom” amendment, on the Maryland ballot.

I am voting against Question 1 as I believe parents must retain the right to make medical decisions for their minor children, especially high-risk procedures like late-term abortions or gender transition surgeries. Minor children simply do not have the same mental capacity as an adult to make an informed consent decision.

The so-called “Reproductive Freedom” amendment does not contain minimum age or parental consent requirements which protect minor children from predatory and experimental medical practices.

You can be pro-choice and vote against Question 1 in support of parental rights. I encourage voters to go to HealthNotHarmMD.org for more information.

Ocean Pines neighborhood news

It’s been enjoyable spending time the past few months with my parents in The Parke. One real highlight that I did not anticipate is the convenience of playing tennis at the Ocean Pines Racquet Club and meeting new friends through the variety of racquet activities offered at the facility. As a member who finally used the courts this year, I have been impressed with the professionalism, upkeep, and camaraderie experienced at the club, and am grateful to have had this time with new friends and neighbors. I am grateful and blessed to represent the people of Ocean Pines and all of Worcester County.

Announcement

"Protecting our Shore way of life"

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