New study shows a decade of progress positions Maryland to take clean energy to the next level
Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center
Since 2009, Maryland has seen an increase of 35,090% in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun, and a 550% increase in wind power production, according to a new report released today by Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center. The report also highlights advances in the use of energy storage and electric vehicles, and Maryland is ranked 16th among the states for improvements in electricity energy efficiency programs.
“Every day, there’s more evidence that a future fueled by renewable energy is within our reach,” said Kate Breimann from Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center. “In 2009, Maryland wasn’t even on the map for solar production and now we are the 15th most productive state in terms of solar energy. The progress we’ve made in the last decade on renewable energy and technologies like battery storage and electric cars should give Marylanders the confidence that we can take clean energy to the next level.”
The report, Renewables on the Rise: A Decade of Progress Toward a Clean Energy Future, provides a state-by-state assessment of the growth of key technologies needed to power the nation with clean renewable energy, including wind, solar, energy efficiency, energy storage and electric vehicles. Maryland ranked 15th for solar and 29th for wind, and was in the top 10 states for electric vehicle charging stations.
The report describes the factors that caused rapid growth in each category since 2009. They include innovative policies, improved technologies and lower costs — all of which suggest the potential for continued development in the years to come. In addition, Maryland is breaking ground on an offshore wind farm in the coming months and recently passed legislation committing our state to a goal of generating 50% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources.
Senator Brian J. Feldman (D-15), the lead sponsor of the 2019 Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Act said, “I am proud of the work Maryland has done to grow clean energy technologies, ranking #16 in the Nation for improving electricity energy efficiency programs, while adding thousands of new, green jobs. Maryland’s next step is to increase its use of renewable electricity to 100%. I look forward to working with Governor Hogan in the upcoming Legislative Session to achieve our shared vision.”
The report comes as a diverse group of U.S. cities, states, corporations and institutions are committing to 100 percent renewable energy. There are now six states that have made commitments to 100 percent clean electricity. At the local level, 131 American cities, led by a mix of Republican and Democratic mayors, have committed to that goal. In addition, more than 180 major companies, including Bank of America, Google and Anheuser-Busch have committed to power their operations with 100 percent renewable energy.
“Repowering our economy with clean renewable energy can put our nation on a healthier, more sustainable course,” said Breimann. “ And with rapid improvements in technology, vast clean energy resources, and a willing public, a future powered entirely by clean, renewable energy is increasingly within our reach.”
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Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment.
