Maryland Energy Administration Applauds Adoption of Governor's Energy Package
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 8, 2008) – The Maryland Energy Administration applauds the General Assembly for passing Governor O'Malley's legislative energy package last evening. Adoption of the bills represent a major step towards reducing consumers’ bills, avoiding electricity shortages predicted as early as 2011, and promoting a more sustainable and diversified electricity supply.
“This energy package not only accelerates energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change programs, but also puts money back in the ratepayers’ pockets,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I want to thank the General Assembly for their hard work in ensuring that we help lower consumers’ energy bills and provide clean and reliable energy for all Marylanders.”
The General Assembly adopted all five of the Administration’s energy bills. The EmPOWER Maryland bill codifies one of the most ambitious energy efficiency goals in the nation. When fully implemented, it is estimated to save Marylanders $5.7 billion (an average of $190 per household annually) and avoid at least three new power plants. A separate bill creates a Strategic Energy Investment Fund to provide short term rate relief and long term investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change programs. The legislative package also include measures to double the amount of renewable power purchased by Maryland’s utilities, make solar and geothermal energy systems available to more Marylanders, and require that all new state buildings and schools be energy efficient.
“There is no silver bullet that will solve all of Maryland’s energy problems. However, this ‘silver buckshot’ of measures will lower household bills, address Maryland's looming electricity shortage, and promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy supply," said Malcolm Woolf, Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “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.”
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