Solar Industry Denounces Vetoing of Maryland's Clean Energy Jobs Act of 2016

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - May 27, 2016 - PRLog -- MDV-SEIA is deeply disappointed that Governor Hogan vetoed the Clean Energy Jobs Act. Governor Hogan ran his campaign on supporting jobs in Maryland. With this veto, Governor Hogan is sending a clear message that the Administration does not support job creation in a high growth, private-sector industry that provides well-paying jobs and opportunities for career advancement.

"Honestly, we're confused. Governor Hogan ran his campaign on supporting Maryland jobs. That's what our industry brings. This veto puts thousands of solar jobs and hundreds of local companies at risk. Moreover, this veto endangers the livelihood of thousands of Marylanders and will stall millions in economic investment," said Omar Terrie, Policy Director for MDV-SEIA.

It is very unfortunate that Hogan has not followed the independent advice of Moody's Analytics. The Moody's Analytics Report clearly identified the State's dependence on the public sectors. The recommendations explicitly stated "the ability to bring back more mid-wage jobs and reinvigorate key private sector industries, independent of the federal government, with relatively low skill or education requirements will be key to Maryland being able to outperform in the years ahead." Hogan just missed his best opportunity to follow expert advice.

Nearly three-quarters of Maryland voters, 71 percent, support expanding Maryland's clean energy standard to 25 percent by 2020. Support crosses political party lines. A majority of Republicans, Democrats and Independents support the Clean Energy Jobs Act. There is wide support for this proposal across the state-in rural, urban and suburban communities. Hogan clearly did not listen to the will of the people that put him in office.

Hogan wrote in his letter to Speaker Bush explaining his reasoning for the veto that "under the existing law, Maryland retains its status as a national leader." The Governor's veto leaves the state with a lackluster RPS that is far from the leaderboard. We encourage Governor Hogan to engage with the industry to learn more about local solar businesses and jobs so that this type of shortsighted decision, which will have severe impacts on the industry's growth, is not repeated in the future.

MDV-SEIA would like to assure its members that we will work with House and Senate leadership, the broader coalition of renewable energy supporters, and other key stakeholders in order to explore all options available to us in rectifying this erroneous decision by the Governor.