For Immediate Release

Annapolis, MD — Today, the Maryland Senate passed legislation to allow a Community Choice Energy (CCE) pilot program in Montgomery County. The bill passed unanimously 46-0. Because the House already passed similar legislation, all that’s left is for the Maryland House to concur with the Senate and send the legislation to the governor.

The CCE pilot legislation, championed by Senator Feldman (D-15), would be a victory for energy democracy in the County. If passed by the full Assembly in the next week, the CCE pilot program will allow for local control and local choice in the County’s energy selection process, putting residents in control of their energy sourcing.

Montgomery County’s climate goals have long been Maryland’s most ambitious. With CCE, residents will be able to move the County off of fossil fuels and into a cleaner, greener, healthier future. The legislation will also ensure affordable and equitable access to clean and renewable energy, so that all County residents benefit from the program.

In response, Food & Water Watch Maryland Organizer Lily Hawkins issued the following statement:

“Today’s Senate vote brings Maryland a critical step closer to a more democratic energy system that puts power in the hands of residents, not utility companies and fossil fuel giants. From their declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2017 to today’s Senate vote, Montgomery County residents are leading the way in combating the climate crisis in Maryland. A CCE program will help residents move off fossil fuels, and will pave the way for all Maryland residents to choose clean, renewable energy at affordable rates.”

Contact: Phoebe Galt, Food & Water Watch [email protected]