Podcast: O’Malley pushes for solar

The governor is backing a bill that would increase the amount of solar energy electricity suppliers must use.

In 2011, electric companies would have to include more solar power in the mix of energy that they sell to customers. The amount for 2012 would double. Advocates say the bill would help the state create jobs, become more green and attract more federal funding.

The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative opposes the bill. Mark MacDougall is SMECO’s Senior Vice President. He says the organization supports renewable resources but says the bill would increase energy costs.

“Clean energy is a good thing. But we’re only behind it to the extent we can provide it to our customers at a reasonable cost,” said MacDougall

Other opponents urged legislators to look to nuclear power as a better source for renewable energy. Also, Tuesday President Obama promoted nuclear energy development in an appearance in Maryland.

About The Author

Len Lazarick

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Len Lazarick was the founding editor and publisher of MarylandReporter.com and is currently the president of its nonprofit corporation and chairman of its board He was formerly the State House bureau chief of the daily Baltimore Examiner from its start in April 2006 to its demise in February 2009. He was a copy editor on the national desk of the Washington Post for eight years before that, and has spent decades covering Maryland politics and government.

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