Maryland faces a critical energy shortage. In December 2007, the Maryland Public Service Commission reported "there is no ambiguity or room for serious dispute:  unless steps are taken now, the State of Maryland faces a critical shortage of electricity capacity that could force mandatory usage restrictions, such as rolling black-outs, by 2011 or 2012." Already, Maryland imports 30% of its energy. 

Energy efficiency is key. The best way to protect the environment and ensure Marylanders have the energy they need is increasing energy efficiency.  A study by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development found "energy efficiency can reduce energy costs to homeowners, businesses, institutions and government at a cost 60 per cent to 70 per cent cheaper than building new generating capacity in Maryland." For example, Maryland could require that incandescent bulbs be phased out and replaced with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights.  

Clean, renewable energy sources.  There's no getting around it, Maryland needs to produce more energy. As much as possible this energy should come from green, renewable sources like wind, methane, biomass, solar, geothermal, ocean, fuel cells and hydro power. Maryland could look to streamline and modernize zoning requirements to make it easier for companies to start renewable energy projects in the state.  

Positive steps. In recent years, Maryland has taken a number of positive steps toward a new, green energy future. In 2008, the legislature passed Governor O'Malley's EmPower Maryland program, which aims to reduce per capita electricity use by Maryland consumers by 15 per cent in 2015. Maryland is also one of several states to participating in a cap and trade program designed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. Last legislative session, Maryland accelerated it's Renewable Portfolio Standard. The 2008 law requires that 20% of the energy in Maryland be produced from renewable resources by 2022, up from 9.5% under the previous law.  

More work to be done. Despite steps in the right direction, Maryland has a long way to go.  After the market was deregulated, prices for electricity in Maryland skyrocketed and are now among the highest in the country. A good deal of the generation capacity in the state still comes from relatively dirty sources, like coal. Increasing efficiency and creating new sources of cleaner energy will help reduce prices and protect the environment.