Annapolis, MD — May 23, 2019 – Governor Larry Hogan yesterday outlined a bold strategy to set Maryland on a path to 100% clean electricity by 2040. The innovative Clean and Renewable Energy Standard (CARES) promises to set an example for the nation, continuing the Hogan administration’s strong commitment to leading the charge on clean energy, climate change, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
The governor made the announcement in a letter to Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, indicating he will allow Senate Bill 516 — Clean Energy Jobs to take effect without his signature, expressing serious concerns that the legislation could send too many jobs out of state and enable poor environmental stewardship.
“Despite its name, this bill is not clean enough, nor smart enough, nor does it create the intended jobs within Maryland,” wrote Governor Hogan, who goes on to note that “this legislation appears politically motivated—it mandates a broad and untargeted increase in the RPS that threatens to roll back our progress and send jobs and environmental benefits to other states.”
The governor adds that the measure “fails to address land use issues and could impose serious damage on economically and environmentally sensitive areas and viewsheds. And, while Senate Bill 516 masquerades as a job-creating proposal, Maryland stands to lose out on far too many of those jobs to out-of-state companies.”
Clean and Renewable Energy Standard (CARES)
In his State of the State address earlier this year, Governor Hogan called on legislators to “support clean and renewable energy solutions and green energy jobs.” To that end, he is setting a path for a bolder, smarter energy strategy that he plans to submit to the General Assembly on the first day of the 2020 legislative session.
“Our CARES plan aims to get us to zero carbon emissions, rather than just increasing the quotas for dirty energy and outdated technologies,” writes Governor Hogan. “It uses competition to get better results at a lower cost to ratepayers. Our CARES target is clear: 100% clean electricity by 2040. This better and bolder goal is what our state should be striving for as we continue to set an example for the rest of the nation.”
The goals of the CARES plan include:
• Increasing the strategic use of zero- and low-carbon clean and renewable energy sources;
• Recognizing the clean and safe aspects of nuclear energy;
• Supporting hydropower, coupled directly with maintaining environmental stewardship;
• Advancing emerging technology for carbon capture and storage; and
• Utilizing the role of energy-efficient combined heat and power.
Governor Hogan closes the letter by stating, “We will continue to work with the General Assembly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard our environment.”