Gov. Hogan's Plans

Annapolis is wiping the sleep out of its eyes as 180 legislators come back. Friday will be 'YUGE' when our new President is sworn in, but Thursday may include a veto override of the Sun & Wind Tax {SB921} from last year. SB921 will force utilities to increase their rates (making someone else raise the tax - sneaky) to chase renewables. I have serious doubts we can ever achieve 25% of the power supply through solar, wind, etc. Maryland only generates 13,260.4 MW of energy, and in 2008 Marylanders used four times that: 63,000 MWh. Currently we make more than 50% of our energy with coal and 33% with nuclear but mostly buy from out of state. It would be smarter to focus on efficient use to cut demand. How big a solar generator would it take to create 3.3 GW? The biggest one in the country is in the Mojave desert (gets a bit more sun than us) and only makes a tenth of what the bill requires. Rough estimate: a 3.3 GW solar generator may take 100 square miles: completely blocking the sun in Calvert County from Huntingtown to Solomon's Island. Another nuclear reactor would be a much better plan. I've asked some smart folks to give me a better estimate and some alternatives: if they exist I hope to articulate them.

Gov. Hogan's Legislation

The Governor plans to have legislation in every Committee:  - Justice for Victims - Student Debt - Jobs - Environment - Justice for Victims Measures Aimed to Prevent Repeat Sex Offenders, Prosecute Human Traffickers, Support Victims of Crime, Keep Serial Drunk Drivers Off the Road - Student Debt Student Loan Interest 100% Tax-Deductible for All Marylanders Making Less Than $200,000, and Tuition Growth Capped at State Colleges & Universities - Jobs Incentives to Create Thousands of Jobs, STEM Education Funding, Workforce Development & Cyber Initiatives - Environment $65 Million Investment to grow jobs in green industries, promote the use of electric vehicles, invest in renewable energy innovations, and promote clean water commerce. Learn More