Assembly passes solar energy requirement bill

Associated Press
04/12/10 1:50 PM EDT

ANNAPOLIS, MD. — The Maryland Senate has agreed with a scaled back version of a bill requiring utilities to buy more of their power from solar energy sources.

The Senate voted Monday to accept amendments to the House of Delegates. The bill now goes to Gov. Martin O'Malley, who supports the measure.

The House version requires companies to purchase a smaller percentage of solar energy and pay less for not meeting the goals.

Supporters say it's important to increase the use of solar energy to help drive down energy prices. But opponents contend it will pass on additional costs to citizens and small businesses.

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On the Net:

Read Senate Bill 277: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/SB0277.htm