Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

I believe that Maryland must do more to promote conservation and alternative energy. Specifically, I recommend the following:

Allow groups of residents or businesses to jointly own renewable energy projects, called "community renewable projects." Right now, only a single household or business can own a renewable energy project such as solar panels. My bill HB 864 from the 2012 regular session would have permitted each owner of a community renewable project would get a credit on his or her utility bill for part of the energy generated by the project. I will introduce this bill again in the 2013 session.

Work with Maryland's sister states to develop uniform standards and regulations that facilitate Distributive Generation resources and provide smaller users of power with advanced metering technology that enable their active participation in regional conservation programs.

I also support legislation that would allow municipalities to negotiate power rates on behalf of their residents. This would enable residents to obtain lower utility rates.

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