January 7th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

The sponsors of legislation that would increase the amount of energy Maryland utility customers get from renewable sources has called  on the General Assembly to override Governor Larry Hogan's veto of that bill. The legislature could consider overturning Hogan's veto as early as next week, when lawmakers gather in Annapolis for their annual 90-day session. The governor showed this week he was ready for a fight on the issue. He labeled the measure a "sunshine tax" because it would — for a period of years — require rate increases to pay for the additional cost of wind and solar power. Proponents countered that the increases would cost ratepayers no more than 58 cents a month. They argue that the extra costs would be temporary and would be offset by a boost to Maryland's economy caused by increased investment in "clean energy" jobs.