Multiple MD gubernatorial candidates announce their support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act.
Annapolis, MD — On Thursday, March 15 at noon nearly all the Democratic candidates for governor announced that they are committed to supporting the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which will expand renewable electricity to 50% by 2030 and bring 20,000 solar jobs to our state.
The following candidates for governor have committed to supporting the Clean Energy Jobs Act:
- Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker
- Mr. Ben Jealous
- Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz
- Senator Rich Madaleno
- Mr. Alec Ross
- Mr. Jim Shea
In a collective announcement of support on 3/15, these candidates spoke to why they support the Clean Energy Jobs Act:
Elizabeth Embry, speaking on behalf of County Executive Baker said “This makes sense for Maryland and it’s not only a job creator and good for our environment but it would also serve to reduce the disparate impact of pollution on communities across the state, especially poor communities and communities of color. It is just a no brainer.”
Mr. Jealous said “Climate change is a public health issue, an economic issue, and a moral issue that we must act courageously to combat. When I am governor, Maryland will return to being a national leader in protecting our environment and also growing our green economy.”
County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said “renewable energy isn’t just the future of our state, it’s actually happening right now in Baltimore County… We have been negotiating with US wind to construct wind turbines at Sparrows Point that would then be barged down the Chesapeake Bay to Ocean City, so we are saving the environment while also saving taxpayer dollars here in Baltimore County.”
Speaking on behalf of Senator Madaleno, Kathy Strong said “This bill would be a great step forward and he’s proud to be supporting it and working for it in the state legislature along with other initiatives to improve our efforts and to continue our efforts to combat climate change.”
Mr. Ross said “I stress every time I talk about clean energy that we’re leaving jobs on the table by not pushing for a future fueled entirely by Maryland-made renewable energy. Our outdated utility model stifles innovation, tilts the playing field away from real competition, and centralizes production in a way that hurts rural communities.”
Mr. Shea said “I heartily endorse this bill, the clean energy jobs act is an important opportunity not only to protect the environment but also stimulate the economy and create jobs.”
The Clean Energy Jobs Act has the support of nearly every Democratic candidate for governor, and if this proposal does not pass this year, we are confident it will be one of the top issues in this year’s state elections.
Contact:
Jamie DeMarco, Campaign Manager Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Initiative, jameswdemarco@gmail.com, (443-845-5601)
Nikki Richards, Campaign Manager Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Initiative, Nikkirichards1993@gmail.com, (443-631-4038)
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The Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Initiative will bring people together to work for a better Maryland by enacting legislation to ensure that 50% of Maryland’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2030.
For more information go to: www.cleanenergyjobs.org