Bill would boost Maryland solar power

[jpak]

http://www.upi.com/Energy/bill_would_boost_maryland_solar_power/20070327-124544-9058r/

BALTIMORE, March 27 (UPI) -- A Senate panel in Maryland recently passed legislation that would significantly increase solar power use in the state.

The proposed bill, which still needs to pass the General Assembly, would require state electricity suppliers to include a percentage of solar energy in the portfolio they sell to customers, the Daily Record reported.

"It really would be one of the strongest solar energy bills in the country," said Gary Skulnik, executive director and president of the Clean Energy Partnership, an advocacy group in Silver Spring, Md.

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The standard the utilities would need to meet will increase incrementally between 2008 and 2022. If the companies don't comply, they will be forced to pay a fee.

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[deepthought42]

1. I love my Governor...

Eco-Friendly Era Has Arrived in Md.
Disparate Factions Working Together

By David A. Fahrenthold and Lisa Rein
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, March 28, 2007; Page A01

In Annapolis this spring, it's suddenly very, very easy being green.

The Maryland General Assembly has passed eco-friendly legislation on everything from climate change to dish soap to oysters. The governor has resolved to treat pollution like street crime, calling his subordinates on the carpet to quiz them about why dirty streams haven't been cleaned up. The attorney general is searching the state for ecological crimes.


"A shocking iota of fiscal responsibility from an out-of-control legislature. By the way, they could go a long way towards cleaning up elections if they put a limit on the number of deceased voters in Baltimore..." Read more »


Things suddenly feel different around the State House, where environmental advocates and their frequent opponents -- watermen, farmers, developers -- have battled in the past to so many stalemates. That old balance seems to be tipping, thanks to new concerns about climate change, an impending deadline for the Chesapeake Bay, and a political marriage between farmers and environmentalists.

More at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/27/AR2007032702328.html



This is heartening news. The ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay is very important to MD. Go O'Malley! :woohoo:

[AnnieBW]

2. That's right, baby!

I'm looking at the bright sun streaming through my west-facing front windows here in Maryland, and thinking that it's time to go solar.