Stephen Pattison, Water & Environment Vice President for engineering consulting firm Greenhorne & O’Mara, spoke with the Maryland Chamber recently about the upcoming work of the newly appointed Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) advisory board.
The Center works to transform the energy economy in Maryland by dramatically increasing the number of clean energy related technical innovations, entrepreneurial businesses, green jobs and consumer adoption of products and services.
Pattison answered some of our questions about the Board and the projects it be taking on in the coming year.
Q- What industries are represented on the MCEC advisory board?
Pattison- I think the business community is very well represented on the Advisory Board, as is the environmental community, and the public sector. There are representatives from all across the energy sector including representatives from the wind power industry, solar power, as well as the major power players in the state. Builders and consulting firms are represented on the board as well. I think it’s good that there is going to be this kind of venue so all these groups can come together to have this discussion and make sure we’re moving in the right direction as a state.
Q- Will there be incentive programs presented to businesses through the work of the MCEC?
Pattison: I’m pretty curious to see how this evolves. One of the things the Center is trying to do is identify the various incentive programs that are out there and serve as a resource of that information. We’re also interested in evaluating the effectiveness of those different incentive programs. A big part of it is figuring out how this Advisory Center can promote clean energy and also promote economic development in the state as well.
Q- What will the MCEC be doing to promote economic growth and the development of “green collar” jobs in the state?
Pattison: Several of the incentive programs are currently out there now, the tough thing in today’s economy is funding those kinds of programs. I think it needs to be a very focused approach, something where we’re going to get the biggest bang for our buck. I think hopefully, as the economy turns around that these incentive programs become incubators to stimulate this kind of growth and don’t have to be ongoing sustained funding programs at the government level. Hopefully they’ll become a kick-start for developing a clean energy economy.
Q- What do you think the key is to making Maryland a leader in clean energy and sustainability?
Pattison: I think we need to be very focused in our approach rather than have a shotgun approach. With limited resources in both the public and private sectors, we need to have a very informed discussion about the best place to focus our energy.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I think the way for most existing small businesses to implement green technology is to start small. We operate an HVAC company in Anne Arundel county called BAIR Necessities (http://bairnecessities.com). We have had success expanding into the Green Energy sector by a becoming a licensed Geothermal heating/cooling installer. It is only one aspect of our business, so we aren't wholly dependent on it. At the same time, we've seen a steady increase in interest and clients and are excited to be on the cutting edge. I look forward to seeing where MCEC takes us!