New PSC head must prioritize clean energy

I hope that Maryland’s Public Service Commission, under the leadership of the next chairman, Jason Stanek, will continue to support clean energy projects in the future. In the Baltimore Sun article “Gov. Larry Hogan names longtime federal civil servant to lead Public Service Commission” (June 20) Mr. Stanek expressed a commitment to bringing Marylanders “reliable, affordable, and safe utility services” by overseeing various issues, such as large renewable energy projects. While it is very disheartening to read that he expects to see a natural gas expansion, it is encouraging that he expects the continued expansion of wind and solar energy.

I look forward to seeing the two proposed offshore wind turbines come online under his oversight, for example. And we could soon see even more offshore wind come online if Maryland passes the Clean Energy Jobs Act. This would double Maryland’s commitment to renewable energy by 2030, including a doubling of the state’s commitment to offshore wind. And Maryland’s solar industry is currently in decline; the Clean Energy Jobs Act would provide a much-needed boom to this industry, bringing 20,000 new solar jobs to the state.

Investing in clean, renewable energy is the clear path forward for Maryland as that will bring immense public health, environmental, and economic benefits. The CEJA ensures a commitment to a future of reliable and safe energy services — and creates a world in which we don’t need fracked-gas pipelines. I hope Mr. Stanek will lead Maryland in the right direction.