Environmental Initiatives that I am Readily Pursuing

The Healthy Air Act

The Healthy Air Act requires power plants to reduce emissions of four main pollutants -mercury, carbon, nitrogen and sulfur – that come from the seven dirtiest power plants in Maryland. It would require state of the art technology for mercury, nitrogen, and sulfur at each plant. In addition it would require Maryland to become a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) or establish an equivalent program with in the state.

Carbon dioxide pollution is the leading cause of global warming the biggest threat to the environmental and human health of our time. Maryland is particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Many of Maryland’s farming and fishing communities are located around the state’s 3,100 miles of coastline which will be dramatically affected by sea level rise and severe weather caused by global warming. Global warming also poses a threat to human health by increasing the spread of infectious disease and worsened air pollution due to the high temperatures.

By adopting the Healthy Air Act into law, Maryland is taking the first steps not only to increase the quality of life for citizens, but takes the necessary steps to curb global warming.

Citizens’ Right to Their Day in Court

Due to a quirk in Maryland law, citizens routinely are denied the basic right to petition courts for redress. Businesses and developers have the right to sue when public authorities deny them zoning or other permits of to conduct activities in the community. However, private citizens and their community organizations lack that same right to appeal to the courts under Maryland law, when ruling goes against them. The lack “standing to sue” – a fundamental right to have their case heard, a right given to all citizens under federal law.

Thus, Maryland citizens are seeking an appropriate statutory solution to grant community leadership and affected individuals their rightful role in these legal processes. Citizens simply ask for our right to stand in court, to protect our homes and communities from environmental injustice.

Community Energy and Economic Development Act

This bill would create a state grant program to provide grants to municipalities or non profit groups to run local energy programs designed to promote energy efficiency or renewable energy. The state would provide funding on a 4-1 matching basis with local governments. They can use the money to incentivize renewable energy installation, purchasing of energy efficient products, renewable energy job training and other things. Funding would come from the already existing Environmental Trust Fund.

Solar Energy Grant Program Funding

One bill would increase the funding for the program to $1 million a year. The other would allow the Maryland Energy Administration to give larger grants for recipients. The increased funding would come from the already-existing Environmental Trust Fund or the Clean Energy Fund developed by the Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard. The program would expand to include small wind and geothermal systems as well.

Energy Efficiency for State Buildings

The bill would require the state to cut energy use in its buildings by 10% by 2010.

Improved Net Metering for On-Site Generation

The bill would allow those who net meter to bank credits for a year instead of just one month. This will lower the cost of on-site renewable energy and make it more attractive.

Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Appliances

This bill would provide a specific time of year when consumers who buy energy star appliances would not pay any state sales tax on those items. This bill encourages consumes to buy more energy efficient products that in the long run will save them money on their utility bills and reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide the leading cause of global warming.

Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit

This bill would provide a state income tax credit for renewable energy power production and use. The bill will help build upon and expand the production of renewable energy sources, and help these alternative energy sources become more cost effective to consumers.

Requirement for Maryland to join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

This bill would require Maryland to join the northeastern and mid Atlantic states that have formed a group to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.