By Nicholas De Filippis
On the evening of October 20th, people from around Maryland and around the world joined the Clean and Renewable Energy in Southern Maryland Community Forum held by the Sierra Club Southern Maryland Group. The discussion was moderated by Teresa Ball, an executive committee member of the Maryland Sierra Club. The three panelists on the forum were Delegate Brian Crosby of St. Mary’s County, Rosa Hance chair of the Maryland Sierra Club, and Sonja Cox the president and CEO of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). discuss the dangers of fossil fuels and what we need to move forward as a region.
The first order of business for the forum was to determine what was actually meant by clean and renewable energy. All the panelists agreed on wind and solar. Rosa Hance added that geothermal, small scale hydropower, and battery backups should be included while Sonja Cox emphasized the importance of energy efficiency. They all agreed that natural gas and trash incineration do not count as clean, renewable energy.
Next, the panel discussed the economics of renewable energy. There was a consensus that green energy is getting cheaper and more affordable and can boost local economies and jobs. Delegate Crosby expanded on the idea with his ideas of what Maryland can become. He wants to “make Maryland a hub for clean energy manufacturing and production”. More clean energy projects will bring jobs in many different areas. There is also the potential for tourism. Finally, he declared there needs to be a shift of subsidies from fossil fuels and trash incineration to green energy.
Health was another aspect discussed. As Rosa Hance said, “Clean energy is important for the environment and people’s health.” All the panelists agreed that the pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels affects the health of people living nearby and can have serious effects. Some listed by Rosa Hance were preterm births, miscarriages, asthma, and respiratory illness. The problem is that the majority of people suffering these health effects of historic pollution burden lack access to resources. Justice and access to clean energy is needed.
After that, the topic changed to legislation in Maryland. The Clean Energy Jobs Act passed in 2019 by the Maryland General Assembly resolved to have 50% of Maryland’s energy be renewable by 2030 and chart a course to 100% renewable energy by 2040. It also increased the amount of solar and wind energy. For the economy, it promises to bring new green jobs to Maryland and provide the necessary training. The downsides, as the panelists agreed, was that trash incineration is still subsidized under current Maryland regulations and local counties need permitting for more renewable energy projects.
Finally, the panelists gave their insights into how people can get involved. Delegate Crosby suggested reaching out to their delegate and support legislation. Let the delegate know how they feel and if they have any ideas. Advocate for green energy bills and get friends and family to advocate too. And, most importantly, Delegate Crosby said to “get out and vote!” Rosa Hance encouraged people to take local and state action, ask municipalities and officials to commit to 100% clean, renewable energy. She also urged people to get involved in the Sierra Club Ready For 100 Campaign, volunteer for the Sierra Club, and become a Sierra Club member. CEO Sonja Cox, suggested supporting green energy cooperatives (especially SMECO members) and research how to get green energy on their house. Overall, the forum was engaging and interesting with different perspectives giving the full picture of clean green renewable energy.