§7–702.

(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly to:

(1) recognize the economic, environmental, fuel diversity, and security benefits of renewable energy resources;

(2) reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate carbon–fueled generation from the State’s electric grid by using these resources;

(3) establish a market for electricity from these resources in Maryland; and

(4) lower the cost to consumers of electricity produced from these resources.

(b) The General Assembly finds that:

(1) the benefits of electricity from renewable energy resources, including long–term decreased emissions, a healthier environment, increased energy security, and decreased reliance on and vulnerability from imported energy sources, accrue to the public at large;

(2) electricity suppliers and consumers share an obligation to develop a minimum level of these resources in the electricity supply portfolio of the State; and

(3) the State needs to increase its reliance on renewable energy in order to:

(i) reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the State’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals under § 2–1205 of the Environment Article; and

(ii) provide opportunities for small, minority, women–owned, and veteran–owned businesses to participate in and develop a highly skilled workforce for clean energy industries in the State.