: News

Filed Under:

Md. Governor Backs Solar Energy Bill

February 17, 2010
Play associated audio
comments

By Natalie Neumann

Maryland's governor is backing a bill that would increase the amount of solar energy electricity suppliers must use.

In 2011, electric companies would have to include more solar power in the mix of energy that they sell to customers. The amount for 2012 would double. Advocates say the bill would help the state create jobs, become more green and attract more federal funding.

The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative opposes the bill. Mark MacDougall is SMECO's Senior Vice President. He says the organization supports renewable resources but says the bill would increase energy costs.

"Clean energy is a good thing," says MacDougall. "But we're only behind it to the extent we can provide it to our customers at a reasonable cost."

Other opponents urged legislators to look to nuclear power as a better source for renewable energy.

Arts & Culture

NPR

HBCU President Asks Dr. Dre, Why Not Us?

Hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre and music producer Jimmy Iovine recently donated $70 million to the University of Southern California. Many people are applauding their generosity, but some aren't so happy. Host Michel Martin speaks with Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University, about why he thinks an HBCU should have gotten the money.

Food

NPR

Oprah Winfrey's Latest Venture Is Farming In Hawaii

After Oprah Winfrey's friend and health adviser learned that 90 percent of the food on Maui is flown or shipped in from outside, he convinced her to turn a portion of her estate on the island into a farm. Winfrey is giving away the food she's now growing on 16 acres of land, but it may soon be for sale.

Politics

NPR

CBC Chair Marcia Fudge Wants Caucus To Be Heard On The Hill

Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge is still relatively new on the block. But she's established herself as the new head of the Congressional Black Congress. In the role, she's already been very vocal about whether the President is doing enough for people of color. Host Michel Martin talks with Congresswomen Fudge about her ideas for America.

Technology

NPR

3-D Printer Makes Life-Saving Splint For Baby Boy's Airway

A 3-D printer is being credited with helping to save an Ohio baby's life, after doctors "printed" a tube to support a weak airway that caused him to stop breathing. The innovative procedure has allowed Kaiba Gionfriddo, of Youngstown, Ohio, to stay off a ventilator for more than a year.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.