AF&PA Calls for Veto of Maryland Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) Legislation
CONTACT: Tim Ebner
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org
WASHINGTON — The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in opposition to the Maryland General Assembly's efforts to alter the state's definition of qualifying biomass in the renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS):
"The forest products industry in Maryland produces almost $1.8 billion in products annually, employing approximately 6,000 people who work in facilities that produce essential products. The bioenergy from forest products manufacturing residuals is a carbon neutral, renewable energy that provides enormous greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits - roughly the equivalent to removing 35 million cars from the road.
Unfortunately, the Maryland General Assembly recently passed legislation (SB 65) that redefines qualifying bioenergy under the state's renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS). Not only will this result in fragmented energy policy that could harm the most economically disadvantaged Maryland citizens, but it will also cause major price disruptions for Maryland's electricity grid when nearly one-quarter of the current energy sources are removed from eligibility. The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) believes RPS policies should be based on sound science and sustaining economic and business certainty. We encourage Governor Hogan to veto this shortsighted legislation to avoid unintended consequences to Maryland's environment, economy and taxpayers."