Statement: Environment Maryland’s Response to Governor Hogan’s CARES Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Wednesday, Jan.22, 2020

CONTACT: 

Kate Breimann, Advocate, Environment Maryland, 276-229-9108, [email protected]

Emily Scarr, Director, Maryland PIRG, 859-221-4213, [email protected]

Statement: Environment Maryland’s Response to Governor Hogan’s CARES Plan

ANNAPOLIS – On Monday, Governor Hogan introduced his CARES legislation to the General Assembly. 

In response, Environment Maryland Advocate Kate Breimann released this statement:

“Maryland’s reliance on polluting fuels puts our health and safety at risk. Our state energy policy must conserve more energy, use the energy we have wisely and efficiently, and rely only on sources of energy that are clean, renewable and tread lightly on our planet. Because scientists agree that we must stop burning virtually all fossil fuels by mid-century to tackle climate change, Environment Maryland is committed to moving our state to 100% renewable energy as quickly as possible.”

“We’re glad that Governor Hogan is considering a path towards 100% clean energy with his CARES plan. Unfortunately, while making some improvements to “clean up” our state Renewable Portfolio Standard, it also takes some steps back. For example, the plan subsidizes dirty and dangerous energy sources including nuclear power, natural gas, and biomass. We hope Governor Hogan will listen to environmental advocates and strengthen his plan. With wind and solar energy at our fingertips, there is no need to continue to prop up these old technologies.”

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