This year, millions of Marylanders will feel it — not in a dramatic speech or campaign slogan, but right on their monthly utility bill. As a sophomore at Georgetown University studying political science, I spend a lot of time analyzing policy. But you don’t need to be a policy major to understand that Maryland’s energy policy is failing its people — miserably.
For the past decade, Democratic lawmakers in Annapolis have pushed a series of radical climate policies dressed up as “solutions.” What they’ve delivered instead is a tidal wave of rising costs, unreliable energy, and regulatory overreach that’s punishing the very people they claim to protect. The average Maryland family is now staring down electric bills 30 to 50 percent higher than just a few years ago.
This isn’t just about numbers on a page — it’s about grandparents choosing between heating and groceries, families putting off vacations to cover bills, and small businesses hanging on by a thread.
And while Democrats blame everything from the weather to Vladimir Putin, the truth is this was a man-made crisis, crafted right here in the Maryland State House.
It’s time for a change. And I believe the Republican Party is the only one offering a serious, solutions-based approach that puts affordability, energy independence, and accountability first.
1. Pause Radical Climate Mandates That Are Crushing Families
Let’s start with the biggest culprit: the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. Sounds nice, right? Who could be against “climate solutions”? But behind the branding is a set of unfunded mandates that require Maryland to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2031 and go net-zero by 2045.
Let’s be honest — that’s not a climate plan, that’s a math problem with no answer. The technology to meet those deadlines doesn’t exist at scale. And the burden is falling not on tech giants or lobbyists — but on families who get slapped with soaring delivery charges and hidden surcharges every month.
Republicans propose something refreshingly simple: pause these mandates. Reevaluate them with a cost-benefit analysis. And if they’re so great, let the voters decide via referendum.
If these policies are worth doubling our electric bills, surely they can withstand a little public input.
2. Eliminate the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Tax
Have you ever looked at your utility bill and wondered why it’s so high — even when your usage is down? That’s thanks in part to the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge, a little-known fee tacked on to fund energy efficiency programs that sound good in theory but have minimal impact in practice.
This is a textbook case of government waste. You’re paying more to save less, all while energy companies rake in profits from government-backed “green” programs.
Republicans want to scrap the EmPOWER surcharge, putting that money back where it belongs: in your wallet.
3. Unleash In-State Energy Production
Here’s a fact most Marylanders don’t realize: over 40% of the state’s electricity is imported from other states. That means every time there’s a price spike in Pennsylvania, you pay more.
Why? Because Maryland has shut the door on energy independence. Natural gas development is off-limits. Nuclear expansion is stalled. And we’re closing baseload coal plants before we’ve even built replacements.
That’s not just bad planning — it’s dangerous.
Republicans propose reopening the door to clean, domestic energy production right here in Maryland. That means exploring advanced nuclear, cleaner natural gas, and even reevaluating the premature shutdown of coal plants.
We’re not saying forget about renewables — we’re saying let’s be realistic. Solar panels don’t power hospitals at 2 AM. You need a balanced energy portfolio.
4. Keep Reliable Power Plants Online — Until We Have Alternatives
Maryland’s last coal-fired power plants are being forced offline by state mandates — even though they’re still reliable, cost-effective, and often the only thing keeping the grid stable during extreme weather.
This is like taking the spare tire out of your trunk before your road trip and saying, “We’ll figure it out later.”
Republicans believe in an “all of the above” energy approach, not “just the most expensive parts.”
Let’s keep base power like coal and gas on the table until renewable alternatives can match them in reliability and price. Otherwise, we’re guaranteeing blackouts, higher costs, and more excuses from politicians.
5. Demand Accountability from Utilities
Multiyear rate increases are being greenlit with little scrutiny. BGE, Pepco, and others file lengthy rate hike requests — and regulators often rubber-stamp them without demanding clear consumer benefits.
That’s unacceptable.
Republicans support stronger oversight of utility pricing, requiring that every rate increase be tied to real infrastructure needs or provable customer benefit — not executive bonuses or PR projects.
6. Let the People Decide
Big-picture energy decisions should not be dictated by career bureaucrats or pushed through in midnight legislative sessions. If the Democrats truly believe these climate policies have public support, let’s test that.
Republicans support a public referendum on key energy laws like the Climate Solutions Act and the Next Generation Energy Act.
Let Marylanders vote — especially the ones footing the bill.
The Bottom Line
As a college student watching families and friends across Maryland struggle with rising energy costs, I can’t help but wonder: how much more are we willing to tolerate before we demand accountability?
The Republican approach isn’t flashy, and it won’t win us praise in elite academic circles. But it’s rooted in common sense — energy that’s reliable, affordable, and local.
We don’t need more climate slogans. We need power that works, rates we can afford, and a government that respects taxpayers.
It’s time to stop punishing Marylanders for political points. Let’s build an energy future that works for everyone — not just for lobbyists and virtue signalers.
Aaron Ackerman is a sophomore political science major at Georgetown University. He is from Fairfield, Connecticut. He contributes to the Montgomery County Republican Club and passionately advocates for responsible, consumer-first energy policy.
Contact: Aaron.Ackerman@mcgopclub.com
Direct Line News is a Maryland-based free-access publication committed to the Republican reform tradition.
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