ANNAPOLIS (Sept. 24, 2008)—Governor O’Malley has appointed the members of the Strategic Energy Investment Fund advisory board, which consists of energy experts and consumer advocates throughout the state. The purpose of the advisory board is to oversee the allocation of revenues collected from the nation’s first greenhouse gas cap-and-trade auction, scheduled for Thursday, September 25, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generating plants.
The board members are Mark Case (West Friendship), Jeffrey Shaw (Leonardtown), Fred Hoover (Annapolis), Veronique Marier (Bethesda), Joan Kowal (Potomac), Michael Powell (Baltimore), Brad Heavner (Baltimore), Dion Wright (Towson), and Robert Wright (Rockville).
“I am proud to nominate these outstanding candidates to advise the state on how best to invest in our energy future” said Governor O’Malley. “We have worked hard to identify individuals from across our State, including consumer and environmental advocates, energy experts, and industry representatives, to promote affordable, reliable and clean energy for Maryland.”
The Fund will allow Maryland to make significant investments in programs that can lower Marylander’s electric bills by an estimated average of $8 per month and reduce greenhouse gas emissions without any impact on state funds.
“With the support of Marylanders and the recent appointment of the advisory board, development and management of the Fund is well underway,” MEA Director Malcolm Woolf commented. “The advisory board meetings are the next critical step towards creating and implementing a strategic plan allowing Marylander’s to take control of their energy future.”
Visit http://www.energy.maryland.gov/news/events for detailed information and updates on future events.