Apr 29 2008
Maryland Senator Robert Garagiola and Delegate Sue Hecht each received the prestigious Government Leadership Award today for their prominent roles in passing the Maryland renewable portfolio standard into law to mandate the increased use of solar energy. This national award was presented by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society today in a ceremony at BP Solar's manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland.
The Government Leadership Award is given to recipients who have made a significant contribution within government to move toward a sustainable energy future. This is only the fifth time this award has been bestowed. Past recipients include members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Senator Garagiola and Delegate Hecht are recognized as playing leading roles in passing SB-595 which was signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley in April 2007. The legislation requires electricity suppliers to derive 2% of electricity sales from solar energy by 2022. This solar set-aside is projected to result in the development of up to 1,500 MW of new solar electricity by 2022. By comparison, in 2007 only 190 MW of photovoltaic (solar electric) systems were installed nationwide.
"It is an honor to present this distinguished award to Senator Garagiola and Delegate Hecht," said Brad Collins, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society. "During this time of soaring energy prices, their leadership will help Maryland families reduce their monthly utility bills, tackle climate change, and boost the economy. In the most recent session of the Maryland General Assembly, they, along with Governor O'Malley, championed additional legislation which will help expand the market for solar."
The award ceremony at BP Solar offers a good illustration and backdrop for how renewable technologies are providing jobs that will power the Maryland economy in the 21st Century. With the help of Governor O'Malley, BP Solar last summer broke ground for a $97 million expansion project to increase portions of its manufacturing output. Geoff Slevin, vice president for sales and marketing, BP Solar North America added, "through their farsighted leadership, Senator Garagiola and Delegate Hecht are not only helping diversify our energy supply and lower the cost of energy for all Marylanders, they are also promoting Maryland jobs and a vibrant economy." BP Solar is one of the largest employers in Frederick, Maryland with 550 employees at the Frederick plant, the largest fully-integrated solar manufacturing facility in the United States.
A recent green-collar jobs report by the American Solar Energy Society shows that renewable energy and energy efficiency generated 8.5 million jobs and nearly $1 trillion in revenue in the U.S. in 2006 - and these sectors are growing rapidly.