Success: Maryland Passes Renewable Energy Bill

Target: Thomas V. Miller, President of the Senate, Maryland

Goal: Praise Maryland leadership for passing legislation in support of renewable energy development.

Support for renewable energy development has been significantly increased in Maryland thanks to recently passed legislation. This came after years of stalling, vetoes by a Republican governor and intense lobbying efforts by the fossil fuel industry.

The bill requires a minimum of 25 percent of energy to be generated from renewable sources by 2020. This represents a significant increase from the previous target of 20 percent by the year 2022. In order to meet these ambitious targets, the bill uses a small monthly tax, around $1.50 per person, to fund additional solar and wind infrastructure projects.

Two offshore turbine proposals may the first direct beneficiaries of the legislation. The first calls for construction of 187 turbines, which would generate enough electricity — 250 megawatts — to power 500,000 homes when completed in 2022. The second turbine proposal would generate a more modest 120 megawatts and could also be operational by 2022.

This legislation represents an important win for the many environmental groups, signers of ForceChange petitions such as this one, and movements against federal inaction on climate change. Please sign the below petition applauding the Maryland Democratic Congress for their perseverance in support of clean energy.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Senator Miller,

I am writing to offer my support for passage of the Clean Energy Jobs Act. You and your Democratic colleagues sent a strong message in support of clean energy development by carrying this legislation through fierce Republican opposition.

The responsibility of shepherding our economy toward renewable energy will increasingly fall to states in an era of federal inaction under the Trump Administration. Please continue advocating for policy which reduces carbon emissions and lessens the impact of global climate change.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: David Dixon