Section 7-702 - Intent and findings(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.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 757, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.Amended by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 2, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2016.Amended by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 1, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2016.