In this year's budget, Gov. Martin O'Malley diverted funding that was supposed to be used to build Maryland’s clean energy economy.  In each of the next two years, $35 million has been shifted away from renewable energy and energy efficiency programs that would give us cleaner air and save Marylanders money. 

Email Gov. O'Malley to tell him to restore full funding for clean energy and energy efficiency programs from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in next year's budget.

In 2006, Maryland passed the Healthy Air Act which required the state to become part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).  This was a huge step forward for Maryland, improving our air quality, reducing our global warming pollution, and stimulating clean energy.

Through this legislation, the state set up a fund to help Maryland transition to renewable energy sources instead of the dirty energy of the past.  The state now auctions carbon permits to power plant operators and deposits the proceeds in the Strategic Energy Investment Fund.

Last year, however, much of the money collected in the name of clean energy was used for other purposes.  Gov. O'Malley's budget diverted approximately $35 million per year for each of the next two years. 

The Maryland Energy Administration did a spectacular job developing programs to use RGGI funding effectively. This includes programs for workforce training, energy audits, and subsidized energy efficiency upgrades. We should be doubling this budget, not gutting it.

These programs create jobs.  In today’s economy, success stories are few and far between.  By diverting this money, the state is walking away from an excellent vehicle to stimulate economic growth.

More families will fall behind on their bills if we don’t invest energy efficiency funds to help them lower their bills.