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Ehrlich signs landmark clean-energy bill
The state of Maryland has also taken its
biggest step ever in the fight against global warming and
and air pollution. On May 26, conservative Republican Governor
Robert Ehrlich signed into law a landmark clean energy bill
which requires that at least 7.5 percent of the state's
electricity come from renewable sources by 2014. Maryland
joins just 14 other states that have a renewable energy
mandate.
The signing of the billcaps an intensive
three-year grassroots campaign in support of the measure.
The Clean Energy Partnership, the Chesapeake Climate Action
Network, MaryPIRG, and others led the charge.
The bill was championed by House Speaker
Michael Busch, Majority Leader Kumar Barve, Economic Committee
Chair Derrick Davis and Delegate Jim Hubbard on the House
side. In the Senate, it was sponsored by Sen. Thomas Middleton.
It won strong bi-partisan support in both houses.
"The Clean Energy Bill has something for
everyoneÑit will clean up our environment, lower our dependence
on fossil fuels, improve energy security, and create jobs
and economic development in western Maryland," said Mike
Tidwell, director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.
"House Speaker Busch showed genuine vision and leadership
by making the Clean Energy Bill a top priority and backing
it with his political weight."
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