Advocacy

Our Message for 2010: Up the Ante!

See what you missed at our 2010 Legislative Reception and read up on Legislation We're Tracking.

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.

Legislation Currently In Progress

Throughout the Winter 2010 Session, the Maryland Clean Energy Center will be tracking legislation that affects the clean energy industry. Check back here for legislative updates!

Legislative Update 2-15-2010 - an overview of all legislation we're tracking in the General Assembly. (Adobe Acrobat PDF document)
MCEC Recommendations - for bills we've taken a position on (Adobe Acrobat PDF document)

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