I'm Not A Big Fan Of Bob Ehrlich

I'm not a big fan of Bob Ehrlich. Despite my being a republican, I think he squandered a glorious opportunity as Governor - particularly in regards to renewable energy initiatives.

On the bad side of things, I believe he appointed 'a boy to do a man's job' at the Public Service Commission. He appointed Kenny Schisler - former House of Delgate for Talbot & Wicomico - as chairman of the PSC. Schisler helped to cost Ehrlich his job. You see the Public Service Commission - (PSC) - proposed amendments to a key Renewable Energy Bill - SB-167. If the Maryland Legislature had implemented the proposed amendments, then, it would have thwarted virtually any renewable energy initiative including wind, solar, hydrogen fuel cell. As I was there to testify in favor of the Senate Bill, I was appalled to learn that the PSC had officially proposed to water down Maryland's net metering laws by eliminating the distribution and generation credits for people deciding to install their own renewable power systems. Though Ehrlich touted himself to be a renewable energy advocate - 'he didn't walk the talk'. There are very few people who knew about the PSC's action. But the PSC's proposed amendments speak loud about their intent.

On a positive note, we got a much better Legislator for Wicomico and Talbot, Jeannie Haddaway - Riccio. Now she is the real deal, a true Renewable Energy Advocate who 'walks the talk'.

Fortunately for Marylanders, the Committee decided to not adopt the PSCs flawed amendments.

http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/SB0167.htm