In a legislative session dominated by energy issues, some state leaders are exploring the idea of more nuclear energy as an option for power generation in Maryland.
Bills introduced by Gov. Wes Moore and Democratic leadership would open the door to building new nuclear energy projects in Maryland. The governor’s bill would also count nuclear energy towards the state’s clean energy goals.
“To address resource adequacy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, I think there’s a large number of people who say we should pursue this as aggressively as we can,” said Paul Pinsky, director of the Maryland Energy Administration.
The state’s clean energy goals and worries about having enough power are pressuring lawmakers to consider building more nuclear. Maryland already has one nuclear power plant, which provides about 40% of all energy produced in the state.
Both the ENERGIZE Maryland Act and the Next Generation Energy Act would create a procurement process for new nuclear projects. The ENERGIZE Act is being sponsored by state leaders in the House and Senate at the governor’s request, and the Next Generation Energy Act is part of an energy package introduced by Maryland General Assembly leadership.
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