The Maryland General Assembly recently passed a package of energy bills supported by Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md., that includes a provision to more than double the state's current renewable portfolio standard (RPS). The governor's office says adoption of the bills represents steps to promote renewable resources, reduce energy prices for end users and avoid power shortages.
‘There is no silver bullet that will solve all of Maryland's energy problems,’ says Malcolm Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. ‘However, this 'silver buckshot' of measures will lower household bills, address Maryland's looming electricity shortage and promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy supply. We have neglected Maryland's energy problems for too long, and this legislative package will help ensure that we are prepared to meet our current challenges and any future challenges that may arise.’
The General Assembly adopted all five of the administration's energy bills, including one that creates a Strategic Energy Investment Fund from proceeds generated through the state's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The legislative package includes a measure to increase the amount of renewable power purchased by Maryland's utilities from 9.5% by 2020 to 20% by 2020.
A spokesperson for the governor's office says that the governor will sign the bills before the end of May.
