The Maryland legislature
Maryland lawmakers voted to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of the Clean Energy Jobs Act on Thursday, Feb. 2.
The legislation, which is now law, requires that a quarter of Maryland’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2020.
Republican lawmakers objected to the cost to consumers, since electric bills are expected to rise as a result. But Democrats felt the benefits of boosting renewable energy in Maryland and combatting climate change outweighed the cost.
Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s new president and CEO, praised the override in a press statement:
“We are pleased that Maryland lawmakers listened to their constituents today, paving the way for increased renewable energy in communities across the state,” Hopper said. “The Clean Energy Jobs Act is named that for a reason. Today, the solar industry employs thousands of Marylanders who know firsthand that when you expand clean energy, you increase the number of well-paying local jobs.”