Summary:

The Maryland legislature approved the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), requiring that half of the electricity in the state comes from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar by 2030. According to the Sierra Club, the 50% by 2030 renewable portfolio standard (RPS) approved by Maryland will include a jump from 2.5% in-state solar to 14.5% by 2030. The solar carve-out level in 2028 alone is equal to all of the coal-powered electricity generated in the state in 2017.

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Maryland sets 50% renewable energy goal by 2030

Environmental groups sent loud cheers as the Maryland legislature approved the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). The bill will help further advance the solar industry in the state and return Maryland to its rightful place as a leading solar state in the country.

Only the District and nine states, including California, New Jersey and Hawaii, have renewable standards at 50 percent or higher, according to the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

Sierra Club, the 50% by 2030 renewable portfolio standard (RPS) will include a jump from 2.5% in-state solar to 14.5% by 2030. The solar carve-out level in 2028 alone is equal to all of the coal-powered electricity generated in the state in 2017." data-reactid="14" type="text">The CEJA raises Maryland’s requirement for renewable energy, requires state planning to reach 100% renewable energy by 2040, and increases funding for clean energy workforce development. According to the Sierra Club, the 50% by 2030 renewable portfolio standard (RPS) will include a jump from 2.5% in-state solar to 14.5% by 2030. The solar carve-out level in 2028 alone is equal to all of the coal-powered electricity generated in the state in 2017.

Legislators in the state, led by bill sponsor Senator Brian Feldman, worked overtime to get this bill passed and have shown a strong commitment to expanding the solar industry. The legislature also successfully voted to pass an expansion of the community solar pilot program.

The bill is expected to spur the creation of 20,000 new solar jobs, including 5,700 development, manufacturing, and construction jobs and drive billions in direct investment in Maryland’s economy. Additionally, rate payers stand to benefit over the next ten years of in-state investment and generation.

Solar Energy Industries Association, Maryland currently has slightly more than one gigawatt of solar installed, enough to power 120,880 homes. The state’s solar industry employs 4,515 people at more than 240 companies. It ranks as the 14th best solar state in the country, with 61,990 installations currently in place. The bill will increase the access to clean renewable energy for Marylanders statewide and set a new path to welcome the nation’s best organizations and firms seeking clean energy to relocate, expand and grow in-state." data-reactid="18" type="text">According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Maryland currently has slightly more than one gigawatt of solar installed, enough to power 120,880 homes. The state’s solar industry employs 4,515 people at more than 240 companies. It ranks as the 14th best solar state in the country, with 61,990 installations currently in place. The bill will increase the access to clean renewable energy for Marylanders statewide and set a new path to welcome the nation’s best organizations and firms seeking clean energy to relocate, expand and grow in-state.