Published on: Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Gov. Martin O'Malley

Last week, I joined small business owners, environmental advocates and economic experts from throughout our state to discuss the greening of Maryland’s economy.

As we continue to come through this national recession stronger and more quickly than other states, we have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the emerging green economy to create jobs, improve conditions for Maryland businesses, and support and protect our communities and natural resources.

We have set the bold goal of creating or saving 100,000 green jobs in Maryland by 2015.

We have created EmPOWER Maryland to reduce statewide energy consumption. We have joined the nation’s first energy cap and trade auction, generating more than $25 million to invest in clean energy programs. We have created incentives for clean cars, increased mass transit ridership and developed a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent.

Earlier this year, I asked Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development to assemble a Green Jobs & Industry Task Force to determine how we, together as One Maryland, can promote green, environmentally-conscious jobs and work toward a more sustainable economy.

Last week, I officially received the final report, and I heard from those in the industry on the best way to implement its ambitious recommendations and continue moving Maryland forward.