State of Maryland Archives: on Energy & Oil


Arvin Vohra: Green energy has advantages; but let market handle it

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?

A: Support. The free market does this; government should not be involved at all. Cell phones, for example, use low power screens, which extends battery life. Green energy already has advantages. I oppose government involvement; the free market handles this better.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate Mar 30, 2018

Ashwani Jain: Ban fracking; deactivate all in-state coal power plants

We must take the important step of moving away from fossil fuels. That is why I am proud to run on a pledge to ban fracking and deactivate all coal power plants in our state. This will provide immediate relief from harmful industrial runoff and poor air quality. It is also necessary for our long-term needs to cut our state's carbon footprint drastically if we want to stave off a potential existential-threatening climate crisis.

One possibility is considering investing in exciting new technology, such as the ability to generate electricity from plants. New systems have already been developed to do so by utilizing the decomposition of organic substances by bacteria within the soil, and capturing the freed electrons. We need to encourage continued innovation as we move toward a carbon neutral future.

Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ashwani Jain: We need to invest in solar and offshore wind farms

We need to invest in clean, renewable energy that will create new, safer and high paying jobs that won't harm our environment nor the communities they neighbor. That means investing in solar energy across our state. The solar industry has already invested billions in our state, and last year employed nearly 5,000 people. We can create new jobs while making it easier for Marylanders to improve the energy efficiency of the places they live and gather.

We must continue to invest in wind power throughout our state. While the Clean Energy Jobs Act was passed in 2019, which was an important step in achieving our 100% clean energy plan by 2045, we must do more. We need to invest in offshore wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean and approve the U.S. Wind Project and the Skipjack Offshore Energy Project off the shore of Ocean City.

Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ashwani Jain: We must take deliberate steps to focus on climate justice

We must take deliberate steps to focus on climate justice. This is why I am strongly in support of reforming the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities. We must ensure this body can better advise state agencies by actually including proper representation from affected communities of color--including indigenous communities and local stakeholders.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ben Jealous: Will set deadline to change to 100% clean, renewable energy

Wayne Gretzky once said that his success as a hockey player was because he skated to where the puck was going. The puck in energy is heading towards renewables fast, and if we want to make sure our kids grow up in an economy that is leading the charge, we have to take action now. As governor, I will: Set a deadline for 100% clean and renewable energy and provide 21st-century jobs for the Maryland economy.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website, BenJealous.com Jun 26, 2018

Benjamin Cardin: End special breaks to oil industries

Cardin said a bipartisan plan to address the national deficit needs to be the top priority. Cardin underscored that he believes revenues need to be a part of the plan. "Everybody should be paying their fair share," Cardin said. "We should eliminate the deductions that allow businesses to send our jobs overseas, and we shouldn't be giving to oil industries special breaks that are not available to other aspects of the energy sector."

Bongino said government needs to get out of the way and lessen the tax burden on residents and businesses. "Put the money back in Marylanders' pockets," Bongino said. "They know what to do with it."

Source: Cumberland Times-News on 2012 Maryland Senate debate Oct 25, 2012

Chris Chaffee: Open American production; stop selling reserves overseas

We must open American production today . Giving away Americas reserves is putting all Americans in a dangerous situation.

[Sharing WUSA post:] More readers have asked VERIFY this than anything else this year: Is oil from U.S. reserves being sent to countries overseas? We can VERIFY it's true. The U.S. holds auctions for oil from its reserves and sells to the highest bidder, which includes buyers overseas]

Source: Facebook posting on 2022 Maryland Senate race Jul 25, 2022

Chris Van Hollen: Create national green bank to finance clean energy projects

For the past dozen years, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) has been introducing legislation in Congress to create a national green bank--a mechanism to provide some level of government support for the private sector to develop clean energy projects as the climate crisis worsens. Van Hollen likes to describe the concept as "a force multiplier"--an opportunity for the public sector and private companies to work together with urgency at a critical moment for the warming planet.
Source: Maryland Matters on WTOP on 2022 Maryland Senate race May 27, 2022

Dan Cox: Don't consider climate change in regulating utilities

HB298: Requiring the protection of the global climate in supervising and regulating certain public service companies.

Summary by Earth Justice (5/4/21): HB 298 will require the Public Service Commission to consider the climate effects and emissions in its regulation of gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. In every aspect of its utility regulation, the Commission must now consider climate change for the first time.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 94-40-7 on Mar/12/2021; State Rep. Dan Cox voted NO; Passed Senate 33-14-0 on Mar/29/2021; Signed by Governor Larry Hogan on May/30/2021

Source: Earth Justice on Maryland Legislature voting records HB298 Mar 12, 2021

Doug Gansler: Begin work on 4 Gigawatts offshore wind generation by 2026

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website DougGansler.com Dec 29, 2021

Doug Gansler: Use school funding/construction to promote renewable energy

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website DougGansler.com Dec 29, 2021

Ian Schlakman: Prioritize green energy

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?

A: Strongly support

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Aug 21, 2018

Jamie Raskin: Invest in clean energy to break our carbon addiction

Fighting Climate Change and Putting a Price on the Social Calamity of Carbon: In the State Senate, Jamie has worked hard to pass tough legislation to increase the renewable energy standards in our state energy portfolio, most recently cosponsoring and pressing for passage of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act to set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.

In Congress, Jamie will work to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow and halt climate change while investing in alternative clean energy technologies like solar and wind power that will permit us to break our dangerous carbon addiction. Carbon pollution can be reduced most cost-effectively through market-based approaches that put a price on carbon. Jamie will champion a sweeping carbon tax along with market-based solutions to stimulate renewable energy development and steadily and dramatically reduce carbon fuel consumption.

Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website JamieRaskin.com Nov 8, 2016

Jamie Raskin: Voted YES on offshore wind renewable energy credits

HB 226 Establishes Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits
Concurrence Vote Passed House (88-48-5); passed Senate (30-15-1); Sen. Raskin voted YEA.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland legislative records Mar 8, 2013

John B. King: It's past time to act on climate change, shift to renewables

We are already seeing the devastating consequences of climate change, from the wildfires in California to hurricanes in the South and Southeast to dangerous flooding here in Maryland. It is past time to act on climate change by dramatically accelerating the shift toward renewable energy and to creating good jobs greening our homes and businesses.
Source: Maryland Matters on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Oct 5, 2021

Kathy Szeliga: Voted NO on offshore wind renewable energy credits

HB 226 Establishes Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits
Concurrence Vote Passed House (88 - 48); Rep. Kathy Szeliga voted Nay.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland voting records Mar 18, 2013

Kelly M. Schulz: Voted NO on offshore wind renewable energy credits

HB 226 Establishes Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits

Concurrence Vote Passed House (88 - 48); Del. Kelly Schulz voted Nay.

Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-14 Maryland voting records HB226 Mar 18, 2013

Larry Hogan: Clean Cars Act: invest in electric cars & charging stations

We cemented our state's position as a national leader in combating greenhouse gas emissions. We enacted legislation expanding the Climate Change Commission.

This year, let's make targeted, common sense investments to support our green jobs initiatives and to attract private investment for clean energy projects in our state.

We need your help to pass our Clean Cars Act of 2017, which will increase our investment in both electric vehicles and in the charging station tax credit programs.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Maryland Legislature Feb 1, 2017

Larry Hogan: Combat greenhouse gas emissions; grow green jobs

We pushed for landmark legislation to cement our state's position as a national and international leader in combating greenhouse gas emissions. We expanded the Climate Change Commission. We enacted the Clean Water Commerce Act, the Clean Cars Act, and several other bills to protect our environment and to grow clean energy investment and green jobs. And we enacted clean air standards which are stronger than 48 other states and nearly twice as strong as the Paris accord recommendations.
Source: 2018 Maryland State of the State address Jan 31, 2018

Larry Hogan: Clean energy; green jobs

We pushed for landmark legislation that cemented our position as a national and international leader in combating greenhouse gas emissions. We expanded the Climate Change Commission and implemented clean air standards that are stronger than 48 other states and nearly twice as strong as the Paris Accord recommendations. This year let's work together to enact the "Clean Cars Act" and to support clean and renewable energy solutions and green energy jobs.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maryland legislature Jan 30, 2019

Larry Hogan: Require considering climate change in regulating utilities

HB298: Requiring the protection of the global climate in supervising and regulating certain public service companies.

Summary by Earth Justice (5/4/21): HB 298 will require the Public Service Commission to consider the climate effects and emissions in its regulation of gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. In every aspect of its utility regulation, the Commission must now consider climate change for the first time.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 94-40-7 on Mar/12/2021; Passed Senate 33-14-0 on Mar/29/2021; Signed by Governor Larry Hogan on May/30/2021

Source: Earth Justice on Maryland Legislature voting records HB298 May 30, 2021

Margaret Flowers: Transition to a carbon-free, nuclear-free energy economy

The US needs to set an aggressive agenda of transition to a carbon-free, nuclear-free energy economy in ten years to confront climate change and the environmental damage of dirty energy. This transition will impact multiple parts of our economy especially housing, transit and technology on clean energy, batteries and transmitting energy.
Source: 2016 Maryland Senate campaign website FlowersForSenate.org Feb 3, 2016

Martin O`Malley: Raise gas tax by 2% per year, to rebuild infrastructure

Today, with gasoline at $3.50 per gallon, our primary source of revenue for transportation is the same flat 23 cents it was when gas was $1.08 per gallon. Meanwhile, it costs more to paint the Bay Bridge today than it did to build the first span. As the Baltimore Sun editorializes, "If Maryland continues to embrace a 1992 tax rate, it will have to settle for crumbling 1992-era infrastructure."

No one has wanted to ask people to do more. The best remaining option in my view is to repeal the current sales tax exemption on a gallon of gasoline; phasing it out by two percent a year, with a "braking mechanism" to protect consumers in the event that the price of gas spikes. An enhanced investment on this scale would allow us to create 7,500 new jobs building needed roads, bridges, and public transit throughout our State.

Source: 2012 Maryland State of the State Address Feb 3, 2012

Martin O`Malley: End the automatic gas tax increase

After siphoning a billion dollars from the Transportation Trust Fund, a decision was made to enact the largest gas tax increase in state history. This legislation also included language that would automatically increase taxes every single year without it ever having a coming up for a vote.

Marylanders deserve the transparency to know how their elected leaders vote every time the state takes a bigger share of their hard-earned dollars. This is a regressive tax that hurts struggling Maryland families and our most vulnerable, and which adds to the cost of almost everything.

These automatic tax increases should be repealed, and we will submit legislation to do so.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Maryland Legislature Feb 4, 2015

Peter Franchot: Our target goal for moving fully to renewable energy is 2030

Peter Franchot is committed to making Maryland 100% energy independent via renewable energy and achieving Net Zero carbon emissions before any other state. In doing so, his administration will seek to make Maryland the renewable energy capital of America. Our target goal for moving fully to renewable energy is 2030.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com Jul 19, 2021

Richard Douglas: Vote YES on Keystone pipeline; it's a call to arms

In July, 28 Democratic members of the US House of Representatives broke ranks and voted to build the Keystone Pipeline. Sadly, Maryland Representatives Chris Van Hollen and Donna Edwards voted NO. For Marylanders weary of sheltered politicians who turn their backs on American workers, these NO votes are a call to arms. Iraq veteran Richard Douglas has answered the call. He is prepared to do whatever it takes to return the American workforce to its rightful place: first on the nation's priority list. For the Maryland members of Congress who voted against Keystone, it was not their first NO. Douglas believes such votes illustrate a sheltered Congress's detachment from the realities of American workers in Maryland and across the nation. Congress's isolation harms American workers, and ultimately weakens American democracy.
Source: 2016 Campaign website for MD Senate, DouglasMaryland.com Nov 11, 2015

Richard Madaleno: Voted YES on offshore wind renewable energy credits

HB 226 Establishes Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits
Concurrence Vote Passed House (88-48-5); passed Senate (30-15-1); Sen. Madaleno voted YEA.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland legislative records Mar 8, 2013

Richard Madaleno: Maryland should lead way on renewable energy

As a state Senator, I've fought to end fracking, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in renewable energy resources. As Governor, I will ensure our state is a leader these areas. Two hundred years ago, the first gas lamps in America were turned on in Baltimore. But that was then, and now we need to move on, with that same spirit of innovation, to help us move to the next sources of energy to power future growth.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website MadalenoForMaryland.com Aug 8, 2017

Richard Madaleno: Supports Paris Climate Agreement & regulating greenhouse gas

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Jun 1, 2018

Rushern Baker: Move up goal of 100% renewable energy to 2030

We're in a unique position to treat climate change like the actual emergency it is and not a problem for tomorrow. That plan starts by moving the timeline up to a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 and supporting the Environmental Human Rights Amendment which would protect communities that are disproportionately harmed by the effects of climate change.
Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website RushernBaker.com Jun 24, 2022

Sam Faddis: Develop domestic coal, gas and oil

The number one objective of the US in the short term should be energy independence. This has major economic and national security implications. To that end I support fully the development of domestic coal, gas and oil. I also think we should recognize that we are moving inexorably toward the day when fossil fuels will be exhausted and that it would be prudent for us to encourage the development and deployment of alternative energy sources when economically viable.
Source: 2018 Maryland Senate website SamFaddis.NationBuilder.com Feb 3, 2016

Shawn Quinn: Oppose prioritizing green energy

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?

A: Oppose. We support green energy as a free market alternative, but oppose government efforts to force or subsidize it.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate May 13, 2018

Thomas Perez: 80% carbon free by 2030, 100% by 2035

As your Governor, Tom will:
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: Renewable energy means high paying jobs open to unionization

Solar and wind technologies are now more cost effective - and profit generating - than traditional fossil sources so both the climate and economic incentives are in place. Therefore, under Tom's leadership our work to develop a renewable energy industrial base in Maryland will be built on high paying jobs that are open to unionization - and the family supporting wages that come with it - bolstered by individual, large scale renewable energy projects built around Project Labor Agreements.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Thomas Perez: Offshore wind a win for workers, businesses, & environment

Maryland's offshore wind program offers the perfect example. Once a national leader on offshore wind, Maryland now plays in the minor leagues, while our neighbors play in the majors.

A bold, unwavering commitment to offshore wind is a win, win- win--for workers, businesses and the environment. While we have fallen behind other states in this area, the good news is that we can catch up. Time is of the essence. Governors in other key states see the urgency of now; Maryland needs to do the same.

Source: Baltimore Sun on 2022 Maryland gubernatorial race Apr 5, 2021

Tony Campbell: Regulate greenhouse gas, but don't fund renewables

Q: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?

A: No.

Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

A: Yes.

Source: VoteSmart Maryland 2018 Political Courage Test Jul 4, 2018

Tony Campbell: Regulate greenhouse gases, but don't fund renewables

Q: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?

A: No.

Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

A: Yes

Source: Maryland Congressional Election 2018 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2018

Wes Moore: Reduce 60% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

Colin Byrd: Infrastructure bill didn't go far enough on electrification

The bill includes money for electric grid modernization, clean buses and ferries, electric vehicle charging stations, and lead pipe replacement, but the $7.5 billion in the bill for clean buses is not enough to fulfill the president's promise to electrify 50,000 transit buses within five years. The $7.5 billion in the bill for electric vehicle charging stations is only half of the $15 billion needed to build the 500,000 EV charging stations promised.
Source: Maryland Matters on 2022 Maryland Senate race Aug 6, 2021

Donald Trump: Oil and gasoline and natural gas is cheaper, more powerful

They want windmills all over the place that ruin our fields and kill our birds and are very unreliable and are the most expensive energy ever developed. We want oil and gasoline and natural gas because it is cheaper, better and much more powerful. Under my leadership we will regain energy independence that we had three years ago. We were on our way to massive energy dominance.
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 4, 2023

Eric Schmitt: Joe Biden has declared war on American energy

Joe Biden has declared war on American energy. Truck drivers are struggling to make ends meet with the rising price of diesel, farmers and ranchers are at risk of being denied loans because they have too many diesel vehicles. Massive corporations are pushing policies on us, and on our kids. Some of those same companies are holding your retirement savings hostage by incorporating ESG into their investments. It is a virtual signal that appeases climate alarmists.
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 2, 2023

Nikki Haley: Socialist Democrats want to ban gas powered cars, gas stoves

The Socialist Democrats don't just want to spend their money, they want to take our freedom. They think they have a right to order us around from light bulbs we use to the words we speak and now they want to ban gas powered cars and gas stoves. When it comes to destroying our freedom, the Socialist Democrats will never stop. It's time for the American people to stop them.
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 2, 2023

Vivek Ramaswamy: Climate religion: it's about power, control, punishment

Ramaswamy said, "What is really going on is that the climate religion has about as much to do with the climate as the Spanish Inquisition had to do with Christ, which is to say nothing at all. It is about power, dominion, control, punishment and apologising for what we have achieved in this country and the modern West as we know it."
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 5, 2023

Angela Alsobrooks: A vocal advocate for expanding tax credits for clean energy

She strongly supports President Biden's efforts to address climate change, including the measures passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. These pieces of legislation prioritize investments in clean energy and aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

If elected to the Senate, Angela will be a vocal advocate for expanding tax credits for clean energy, ensuring that all U.S. Government purchases, from buildings to vehicles, align with emission goals.

Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Urgent action on existential threat of climate change

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Supports $369 billion in clean energy spending

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Larry Hogan: Clean Energy Jobs Act ok, but should include nuclear energy

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Robin Ficker: Supports natural gas & cleaner fossil fuels

Q: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action?

A: Strongly Disagree.

Q: What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

A: Nuclear and clean-er fossil fuels like natural gas.

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Maryland Senate race Nov 1, 2016

Johnny Olszewski: Voted YES on offshore wind renewable energy credits

HB 226 Establishes Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits
Concurrence Vote Passed House (88-48-5); passed Senate (30-15-1); Del.Olszewski voted YEA.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland legislative records Mar 8, 2013

Sarah Elfreth: Require considering climate change in regulating utilities

HB298: Requiring the protection of the global climate in supervising and regulating certain public service companies.

Summary by Earth Justice (5/4/21): HB 298 will require the Public Service Commission to consider the climate effects and emissions in its regulation of gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. In every aspect of its utility regulation, the Commission must now consider climate change for the first time.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 94-40-7 on Mar/12/2021; Passed Senate 33-14-0 on Mar/29/2021; State Sen. Sarah Elfreth voted YES; Signed by Governor Larry Hogan on May/30/2021

Source: Earth Justice on Maryland Legislature voting records HB298 May 30, 2021

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2024 Presidential contenders on Energy & Oil:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026