Maryland's renewables target increase vetoed by governor

Maryland governor Larry Hogan on Friday vetoed legislation to increase the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 25% by 2020, disappointing the industry.

The Clean Energy Jobs Act calls for the state to source a quarter of its power from renewables by the end of the decade, an increase from the current renewables target of 20% by 2022. It passed with majority in both Maryland's Senate and House.

"[The bill] was passed with a veto proof majority, and we will work with stakeholders and supporters to ensure the override of this veto in January," Andrew Gohn, eastern state policy director for the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said in a statement.

Bruce Burcat of the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition said that the use of wind energy to meet a large part of the RPS would not have any impact on customer bills.

Maryland DC Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association (MDV-SEIA), which represents the interests of solar companies in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia, also voiced disappointment with the veto that it said put thousands of solar jobs and hundreds of local companies at risk.

According to its statement, 71% of Maryland voters support the RPS increase.

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