Clean Energy News

Environmental Groups Highlight State Policy and Call on Congress to Act

Baltimore – Maryland rated a silver star for its leadership to promote green buildings and require more clean and efficient cars, according to a report released today by environmental organizations.

“Promoting clean energy will help Maryland transition from a carbon based economy to a more sustainable, renewable economy,” said Governor Martin O'Malley.  “Maryland is leading the way by launching the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency initiative, passing Clean Cars legislation and joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.”

The Environment America report, “America’s Clean Energy Stars: State Actions Leading America to a New Energy Future” recognized Maryland for adopting three key policies to promote clean energy while noting that one other key policy is not in effect in this state and another is weak.  In releasing the report, Maryland environmental organizations called on the O’Malley administration to follow through on its commitment to adopting and improving those policies.  At the same time, they urged Congress to follow the lead of the states by passing a strong energy bill that increases renewable energy, fuel economy and energy conservation.

“While Maryland addresses its shortcomings in clean energy policy, Congress should stop delaying and get to work,” said Environment Maryland State Director Brad Heavner.  “Officials in Washington should stop dragging their feet and start dancing with the states.”

In developing the report, Environment America researchers looked at five areas of cutting-edge clean energy policy adopted by state governments: renewable electricity standards, the Clean Cars Program, utility energy efficiency programs, energy efficiency standards for appliances, and building energy codes. 

“Our business members have made the commitment to be more environmentally and socially responsible, but we know that we are a small part of the solution,” said Keith Losoya, executive director of the Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance.  “We appeal to our state and federal representatives to be bold at this critical time in our history and recognize that the future of Maryland’s public and environmental health really are in the balance.”

A number of states were highlighted for special recognition in the report.   Maryland is one of five states – along with Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania and Vermont – highlighted as “silver star” states for adopting strong policies in at least two areas and meaningful policies in one to two others.

“We will keep pushing our state to do the right thing on energy, but every one of these state policies should ultimately be federal policy,” said Cindy Schwartz, executive director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

“The energy challenge facing America demands bold action at every level,” said Claire Douglass, Maryland campaign coordinator for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.  “We are counting on Congress to join us as we work together to achieve the promise of a new energy future for America.”   

“Howard County is committed to reducing our global footprint,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.  “We urge our counterparts at all levels: the time for action is now.”

States that have adopted these five strategies are making a significant difference in addressing America’s energy challenges.

·   The Clean Cars Program adopted by 12 states would reduce global warming emissions from cars and light trucks by approximately 74 million metric tons per year by 2020 – a little over 1 percent of U.S. emissions in 2006.  It would reduce gasoline consumption by as much as Florida uses in a year.  Maryland adopted the program this year.

·    Building energy codes.  Updated residential building codes have been adopted in 14 states and the latest commercial codes have been adopted in 17 states.  If every state adopted and enforced the most recent codes, America could reduce emissions by nearly 1 percent, the equivalent of taking 9 million cars off the road and could avoid the need for 32 new 400 MW power plants.  Maryland’s building codes are among the best in the country.

·    Appliance efficiency standards adopted by 12 states since 2002 led to the federal government adopting some of these standards.  The state standards combined with the federal standards leveraged by the state action will reduce U.S. carbon dioxide emissions by about 1 percent of current levels, the equivalent of taking nearly 12 million cars off the road.  And, they will save enough energy to meet about 2 percent of U.S. electricity consumption in 2005 or enough to power 7.4 million American homes.  Maryland is a leading state in this type of standard.

·   Renewable electricity standards already adopted by 25 states and the District of Columbia would reduce global warming pollution by about 2 percent from current levels, the equivalent of taking more than 21 million cars off the road, and would generate enough power to meet more than 5 percent of America’s current power needs.  Maryland has such a standard but it is very weak.

·    Energy efficiency programs and standards.  If every state were to achieve the energy savings already achieved by the most effective state programs, the United States could reduce electricity consumption by about 8 percent compared to business-as-usual levels in 2020, and avoid as much global warming pollution as taking nearly 49 million cars off the road, approximately 4 percent of current U.S. emissions.  Maryland has no major program.

CleanEnergyStars.pdf