Advocacy in Annapolis

Our Message for 2011 and Beyond: Prioritize Resources to Achieve Maryland's Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Carbon Emission Reduction Goals

A 2006 study by the International Center for Sustainable Development concluded that Maryland has the potential to transform its energy economy through clean energy.

• Untapped renewable energy resources in the state could satisfy over 100% of the state’s energy needs
• With investment in MCEC, we can generate 144,000 new jobs, $5.7 billion in new wages, and $16 billion in additional gross state product by 2026
• 100,000 of those green collar jobs can be created by 2015

We provide a cohesive voice for the needs of businesses and consumers who care about clean energy.

Maryland leaders have adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goal of 20% power from renewable sources by the year 2020. Solar, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal, and Hydrologic sources for production are being tapped to achieve this goal. But current progress toward this target is just 1%.

But to reap these future economic benefits from clean energy requires investment now, and MCEC has been created to convene clean energy stakeholders and back the growth of this promising sector.

ADVOCACY RESULTS IN THE 2011 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY: 

The 2011 General Assembly concluded its work April 11, 2011 with mixed results for clean energy legislation. The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) supported the following bills, which are listed in numerical order by their Senate Bill (SB) numbers. In most cases the companion House bill (HB) is linked next to the Senate bill listing.

If there was no Senate bill, the House bills supported by the Clean Energy Center follow. Please note below the bills MCEC supported but WITH AMENDMENTS.

MCEC supported:

SB 176 / HB 167 Maryland EV Infrastructure Council - Passed both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

SB 177 / HB 163 Income Tax Credit for EV Recharging Equipment - Approved by both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

SB 179 / HB 164 Electric Company Demand Response Pilot Program for EVs -Passed both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

SB 304 / Renewable Energy Surcharge Died in Senate Finance Committee.

SB 380 / HB 860 Electricity-Energy Net Metering - Passed both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

SB 646 / HB 795 Economic Development-Green Business Incentive Zones - Died in the Senate.

SB 670 / HB 306 Solar Hot Water Systems Task Force in Prince George's County - Approved by both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

SB 690 / HB 1121 Renewable Portfolio Standard Waste to Energy - Passed both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

SB 691 / HB 590 Public Service Commission-Certified of Public Convenience and Necessity-Renewable Source Generator Lead Line - Approved by both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

SB 715 / HB 1123 Public Service Commission-Long Term Contracts-Solar Renewable Energy Credits - Died in Senate Finance Committee.

SB 717 / HB 938 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard-Renewable Energy Credits-Solar Hot Water Heating Systems - Approved by both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

SB 881 / HB1227 Economic Development Opportunities Program Account - Wind Turbine Manufacturing Facility - Died in the Senate.

SB 861 / HB 1054 Maryland Offshore Wind Act - After significant news coverage and high-profile appeals by the Governor, neither the Senate nor House of Delegates moved for passage. Members of the Senate Finance Committee and the Economic Matters Committee in the House are to study the pros and cons of power purchase agreements between utilities and wind farm developers later this year. 

SB 961 State Vehicle Fleet - Use of Biofuels - Passed the Senate and the House of Delegates accepted and passed the Senate bill; headed for Governor's signature.

HB 829 Renewable Energy for All Act - Died in the House of Delegates.

MCEC supported with amendments:

SB 244 / HB 597 Public Service Commission-Consumer Education on Consumer Choice - Passed both the Senate and House of Delegates; headed for Governor's signature.

HB 658 Public Service Commission-Sustainable Energy Utilities - Died in the House of Delegates.

SB 697  Gas and Electric Companies - Use of Trade Name or Trademark. - Died in the Senate. MCEC's support was contingent on amendment to direct funding to MCEC for efficiency programs.

ONGOING LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

We will push for increased state funding and support to grow clean energy through the following mechanisms:

• Clean Energy Business Development Fund to assist companies that grow out of incubators, need help to expand within Maryland, or are attracted to come to the state.
  • Proof of Concept Fund
  • Market & Feasibility Study Fund
  • Clean Energy Venture Fund
• Clean Energy Enterprise Zones where incentives can be created to encourage business development in targeted areas.
• Federal Facility Partnerships to leverage the requirement for federal facilities and military bases to provide 25% of their power from on-site renewable sources by 2025. MCEC will develop public/private partnerships to advance clean energy economic development
• Funding to expand the Maryland Clean Energy Technology Incubator Network