Pushing against a stiff political headwind, environmental activists and their allies are urging Maryland lawmakers to double down on the state's commitment to "clean" electricity.
As the General Assembly began its 90-day session in Annapolis this week, activists sporting handheld windmills rallied in front of the State House to press for legislation requiring that 40 percent of the state's electricity come from renewable sources by 2025. The state's current goal is to have 20 percent by 2022.
Maryland utilities got about 10 percent of their power from renewable sources last year. While only halfway to the current goal, activists say the state is on track to reach it. They contend the threats posed by climate change require stronger action to reduce Maryland's reliance on electricity from fossil fuels.
Joined by labor, social justice, faith and some business leaders, renewable energy advocates also suggest the push would create jobs - nearly 2,000 building and installing solar arrays and more than 20,000 making and erecting wind turbines.
"A 40 percent renewable energy standard would make Maryland a national leader in clean energy and super-charge the market for good-paying clean energy jobs," said Bob Keefe, executive director of Environmental Entrepreneurs, a national nonpartisan business group. "Lawmakers should seize this opportunity for the good of the state's economy and its environment."