Politics & Government

Electricity Costs Could Increase Under O'Malley Environmental Plan

The governor's goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020.

By Bryan P. Sears

Marylanders could pay more for electricity under a plan proposed by Gov. Martin O’Malley that is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state by 25 percent in seven years.

O’Malley introduced his plan Thursday during a meeting with scientists, business leaders and environmental activists.

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The goal under the plan is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 million metric tons by 2020. O’Malley expects the environmental plan will create 37,000 jobs in the state and create $1.6 billion in economic benefits.

Energy costs could increase as Maryland requires energy suppliers to increase the amount of power from renewable energy sources to 18 percent of the total supply in seven years and 20 percent by 2025.

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Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved a bill that would allow for the construction of electricity-generating windmills off the coast of Ocean City.

Those costs could be offset by a state program aimed at reducing the amount of energy consumed by 15 percent by 2015.

O’Malley also wants to institute a zero waste program in Maryland. The plan calls for ensuring all products in the state can be reused, recycled or composted. The governor’s plan would require recycling rates to increase from 45 percent to about 60 percent by 2020.


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