1. (a) It is the intent of the General Assembly to:

   1. (1) recognize the economic, environmental, fuel diversity, and security benefits of renewable energy resources;
   2. (2) reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate carbon-fueled generation from the State's electric grid by using these resources;
   3. (3) establish a market for electricity from these resources in Maryland; and
   4. (4) lower the cost to consumers of electricity produced from these resources.

2. (b) The General Assembly finds that:

   1. (1) the benefits of electricity from renewable energy resources, including long-term decreased emissions, a healthier environment, increased energy security, and decreased reliance on and vulnerability from imported energy sources, accrue to the public at large;
   2. (2) electricity suppliers and consumers share an obligation to develop a minimum level of these resources in the electricity supply portfolio of the State; and

   3. (3) the State needs to increase its reliance on renewable energy in order to:

      1. (i) reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the State's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals under § 2-1205 of the Environment Article; and
      2. (ii) provide opportunities for small, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in and develop a highly skilled workforce for clean energy industries in the State.

Added by Acts 2004, c. 487, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004; Acts 2004, c. 488, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004. Amended by Acts 2017, c. 1, § 1, eff. March 4, 2017; Acts 2017, c. 2, § 1, eff. March 9, 2017; Acts 2019, c. 757, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019.