Advocacy in Annapolis
Our Message for 2012 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 2012 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The 2012 General Assembly concluded its work April 9, 2012 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:
HB 1443 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard – Qualifying Thermal Biomass Systems – Failed.
HB 1410 Clean Energy Loan Programs – Private Lenders – Collection of Loan Payments – Failed.
HB 996 Renewable Energy for All Act – Failed
HB 1280/SB 997 Electric Vehicle Users and Charging Stations Exclusions – Passed
HB 1279/SB 998 Plug-In Vehicles Disclosure of Personal Information – Passed
HB 864/SB 595 Community Energy-Generating Facilities and Net Energy Metering – Failed
HB 1187/SB 791 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard – Solar Energy and Solar Water Heating Systems – Passed
SB 651 Green Business Incentive Zones – Failed
HB 943/SB 570 Income Tax Credit Qualified Research and Development Expenses Small Business Refund – Failed
HB 441/SB 237 Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2012 – Failed
HB 158 High-Performing Building Tax Credit National Green Building Standards – Passed
HB 1301/SB 40 Machinery and Equipment Energy Star Windows and Doors – Passed
HB 298 Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Fixtures – Failed
HB 442/SB 239 Maryland Technology Development Corporation – Maryland Innovation Initiative – Passed
HB 1331/SB 968 Residential Property Sales Disclosure of Utility Consumption – Failed
MCEC supported with amendments:
HB 995 Sustainable Energy Regulated Entity Financing Program – Failed
HB 522 Maryland Green Fuel Incentive Motor Fuel Taxes Biodiesel – Failed
HB 1117 Permits and Variances – Solar Panels – Passed
HB 1088 Energy Efficiency On-Bill Financing Program – Failed
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