O'Malley issues ban on wind turbines in Md. state forests

BITTINGER, Md. (AP) - Gov. Martin O'Malley said Saturday that his administration will not allow commercial wind turbines on state forest land, ending a heated four-month debate.

"While we must continue to explore and make progress on creating a more sustainable and independent energy future for Maryland, we will not do so at the expense of the special lands we hold in the public trust," the Democratic governor said.

O'Malley spoke at a news conference at a scenic overlook in the Savage River State Forest. Opponents had claimed that allowing 40-story windmills on state-owned land in mountainous western Maryland would...