Marylanders can feel pretty proud. Thanks to our progressive policies, we have made tremendous progress deploying solar and developing a vibrant industry. This is especially true if you consider the fact that the solar carve-out went into effect only 4 years ago. If states had solar résumés, few could boast the following bullet points. But Maryland can.
- Almost $100 million dollars in solar investment in the past 6 years
- Home to 114 solar-related businesses
- Legislators who strongly believe in the value of clean energy
The solar carve-out of Maryland’s RPS, which became law in 2008, has obviously boosted solar growth in the state immensely. The current solar carve-out within the RPS assures that 2% of Maryland’s energy will be derived from solar by 2022. This has been the impetus for the economic growth, growth in energy security and improvements to our environment. As beneficial as the RPS has proven itself, it is not perfect.
Unfortunately, the demand rate of the current RPS from 2015-2017 will cause a period of stagnation followed by a rapid demand—a glitch that makes the current RPS curve look a bit like a hockey stick (see below). Though we certainly enjoy hockey from time to time, the RPS curve is not where a hockey stick belongs. Again, see below.
Thankfully, a bill is gaining momentum that will correct this market stagnation and benefit Maryland in the process in more ways than one:
Senate Bill 791/ House Bill 1187 will accomplish the following:
- Add 10,000+ jobs to the Maryland economy by 2018
- Boost Maryland’s economy with $3 billion in solar investment in the next 7 years and $144 million in tax revenues from jobs in the next 8 years
- Maintain all consumer protections and exempt existing contracts
The bill has gained numerous sponsors, and many legislators realize the significance of this bill on Maryland solar businesses—from one-man companies to the biggest of the “big guys.” This bill, at its core, is a simple correction to the hockey stick, intended to smooth out instability in the market and balance out supply and demand. However, it’s much more than that. This bill is a job-creator. An investment-driver. A clean air-maker. A puts-Maryland-on-the-map kind of bill.
We can’t afford to let this opportunity pass by.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
• Call and e-mail key legislators (see list below) in support of the bill. A form letter for your e-mail is provided at the end of the page. Feel free to use the talking points from the form letter when you call the legislators as well.
Sen. Anthony Muse- Email: anthony.muse@senate.state.md.us; Phone: (301) 858-3410
Sen. Catherine Pugh- Email: catherine.pugh@senate.state.md.us; Phone: (301) 858-3738
Sen. Delores Kelley- Email: delores.kelley@senate.state.md.us; Phone: (301) 858-3399
Sen. Allan Kittleman- Email: allan.kittleman@senate.state.md.us; Phone: (301) 858-3395
Sen. Barry Glassman- Email: barry.glassman@senate.state.md.us; Phone: (410) 836-2400
Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio- Email: jeannie.haddaway@house.state.md.us; Phone: (301) 858-3523
Del. Dereck Davis- Email: dereck.davis@house.state.md.us; Phone: (301) 858-3558
Del. Kelly Schulz- Email: kelly.schulz@house.state.md.us; Phone: (301) 858-3028
• Go a step further and contact your own Senator and Delegate here, and demonstrate your support for this law with a phone-call or e-mail (see talking points below).
• Attend the Committee hearings on the bill. The hearing for H.B. 1187 is on March 8, and the hearing for S.B. 791 is on March 20. Details may be found on the hearing schedule webpages below.
House Economic Matters Committee Hearing Information
Senate Finance Committee Hearing Information
- PLEASE Join us FRIDAY, MARCH 9 for a MARYLAND SOLAR SOCIAL MEDIA DAY to raise awareness and support of #HB1187. Follow us on Twitter and retweet our posts on Friday or create your own!
Be sure to use the hashtags #IsupportMDSolar and #HB1187. Tweet @MDVSEIA if possible so we can keep track of the support as well!
Follow us on Facebook and LIKE and SHARE our statuses on March 9.
Check out the Social Media Day flyer.
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Feel free to copy and paste the following language into a message to the representatives, and please add your own personal comments:
Dear _______,
As a Maryland resident, I want you to know that I support all you have done for our communities and the state. The upcoming legislation pertaining to the Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard (S.B. 791/ H.B. 1187) is of upmost concern to me, as it directly impacts our state’s economy and future well-being in a time when every little bit counts.
The new legislation will create 10,000 solar jobs by 2018, generate over $3 billion in investment, and provide for stable growth for the solar industry. These are jobs and investment that Maryland needs in these pressing economic times. We all recognize that energy independence is not only a domestic necessity, but is also a matter of national, environmental, and economic security. Further, this legislation will demonstrate that the State of Maryland is a leader in fostering the energy technologies of tomorrow.
I support this particular bill and hope that you are able to concur with me in this matter, by voting in support of (S.B. 791/ H.B. 1187). This bill will bring tangible benefits to our community and our state.
Thank you for your time in heeding this call and serving this great state.
Sincerely,
______________
MDV-SEIA Blog 