Posted on 02/12/2008 11:11:07 AM PST by JZelle
ANNAPOLIS — While Gov. Martin O'Malley is out stumping with other political leaders for their presidential picks today, lawmakers will be weighing some of the governor's top priorities in the Maryland Capitol.
Senate and House committees will consider O'Malley administration proposals to curb energy use by 15 percent, crack down on mortgage lenders and increase state investments in renewable energy — hallmarks of the governor's second legislative package.
The governor's proposals to conserve energy will be overshadowed by today's presidential primary, said Delegate Maggie McIntosh, Baltimore Democrat and chairman of the committee hearing Mr. O'Malley's energy legislation today.
"This is the first step in the process for the House and the Senate and there will be other hearings in the coming days and weeks," said Rick Abbruzzese, an O'Malley spokesman. "The media is pretty savvy here in Maryland. I think they'll be able to cover both the primary and the energy bills fairly and objectively."
Five of Mr. O'Malley's 19 bills will be heard today in House and Senate committees. Among them are proposals to double the amount invested in renewable energy and to crack down on extra fees applied by mortgage lenders.
Sen. E.J. Pipkin, Eastern Shore Republican and one of the Senate's energy regulation watchdogs, is expected to be campaigning today in an attempt to unseat Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest in the party primary for the 1st Congressional District.
Republicans largely have been skeptical of Mr. O'Malley's energy proposals.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Missouri has shed about 6% after one year of our program, without the drink-your-own-pee craziness of the LEED or “Zero net energy”folks.
Martin O’Malley is going to screw his own voters and not even kiss them afterward. Elections matter, ya big dummies!
Maryland “Freak State’ PING!
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