2023 Legislative Reception Put Workforce Development and Climate Justice in the Foreground

Last month, The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) hosted the 2023 Legislative Reception: People Power for Decarbonization, in a hybrid format. The program brought together clean energy and economic development professionals, regulators, legislators, and community leaders focused on strategies for implementation to achieve Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals.

MCEC also announced the release of Energy 101: Resource Guide for Maryland’s Advanced Energy Network. This publication describes the key entities involved in energy generation, transmission, distribution, and regulation, as well as how they interact with each other.

Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller also shared her optimism for the work that is ahead, “Maryland will produce its latest greenhouse gas reduction plan this December; including nation-leading policies to cut climate pollution, grow the economy, and improve the lives of all Marylanders. We will continue to raise the bar… We will continue to innovate, and we will prosper, together.”

The Legislative Reception featured two panel discussions. The first panel, Workforce Development & Leadership: Preparing the People Needed Now and in the Future discussed programs available for businesses and those looking to enter the clean energy workforce, as well as what is needed for collaboration across private, public, and municipal organizations. The second panel, Energy & Climate Justice, Equity, and Accessibility for ALL, dove into the challenges overburdened and underserved communities face, and highlighted the opportunities that can arise when everyone has a seat at the table.

Guest speaker, Lael Campbell, Vice President of State Government Affairs for Constellation, shared the progress being made towards reducing carbon emissions – not only in the State of Maryland, but across the United States.

Several members of the Maryland General Assembly also attended, informing attendees on current pending clean energy bills. President of the Senate Bill Ferguson, Senator Brian Feldman, Delegate Marc Korman, Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo, Delegate Lily Qi, and Delegate Vaugh Stewart all gave remarks and recognized the work being done by MCEC.

The event was supported by Constellation, Solar Landscape, Baltimore Gas & Electric, Siemens Smart Infrastructure, Delmarva Power, Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator, Pepco, and The Butz Foundation.

The MCEC Policy Watch provides continuous updates during the Legislative Session. Preparations are also underway for the 2023 Maryland Clean Energy Summit, which will focus on Decarbonization Strategies & Solutions.