Governor Moore signs an executive order granting a seat to Maryland Clean Energy Center.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – In a significant move to advance Maryland’s clean energy initiatives, Governor Moore has signed an executive order appointing I. Katherine Magruder, Executive Director of the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), to the Governor’s Economic Competitiveness Subcabinet. This decision highlights the state’s dedication to integrating clean energy into its economic strategy.
The newly established Economic Competitiveness Subcabinet includes representatives from all executive branch agencies involved in Maryland’s economic development. Chaired by the Secretary of Commerce, this entity will provide insights and recommend policies, coordinate interagency strategies, and produce a comprehensive economic growth strategy for the state every two years.
Magruder expressed her enthusiasm about the appointment, “It’s an honor to represent the Maryland Clean Energy Center on this subcabinet. Our state is at a pivotal point in aligning economic growth with sustainable energy solutions. I’m eager to bring our expertise to the table and ensure that clean energy remains a central focus as we shape Maryland’s economic future.”
The subcabinet serves as an advisory body to the Governor, offering insights and suggesting policies that enhance Maryland’s economic competitiveness and growth. It reviews policies and procedures proposed by executive departments that impact economic and workforce development. Additionally, the subcabinet coordinates the implementation of executive directives and legislation supporting business and talent development in Maryland. It also monitors the progress of the Economic Strategic Plan and the Administration’s economic objectives as set forth in the Maryland State Plan.
Under Magruder’s leadership, MCEC has played a crucial role in promoting clean energy in Maryland. Investments and initiatives implemented since 2009 have averted 7,761 metric tons of CO2 emissions and saved 121 million kWh of energy, leading to $9.5 million in savings for consumers. Additionally, as a green bank, MCEC has transformed $15.4 million in public funding into $206.2 million in private investment, yielding a 13.3-fold return on the initial public investment.
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Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) serves as the state green bank, which offers a broad range of resources to facilitate access to capital through leveraged or direct investment and operates financing programs targeted to serve various consumer audiences and underserved communities. MCEC provides specialized procurement and technical support to facilitate and expedite project implementation.