We strongly support a comprehensive, long-term energy policy that fully utilizes domestic energy resources and aggressively promotes the role of agriculture. '03
     We support an increase in off-shore and land based drilling for oil and natural gas to enhance supplies, lower prices and reduce dependence on foreign sources. ’05

Ethanol & Bio-Diesel Fuel
     We support an energy independence and efficiency policy to include: (1) site approval, environmental issues, funding and approval of renewable energy sources; (2) the use of renewable fuels in county, state and federal automobile fleets; (3) support for the construction of ethanol and biofuels plants in Maryland; and (4) support for production and use incentives for ethanol and biodiesel. ’07
     We urge the use of some ethanol in gasoline and soy diesel in diesel fuel. ’05
     We urge a statewide ban on Methyl 1 Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) because of water quality concerns raised in scientific studies and documented in this state. We encourage the use of ethanol in its place. '04
     We urge that all state and county government vehicles (including school buses) be required to use bio diesel or ethanol fuels. ’05
     We urge the required use of at least 5% bio-diesel by all state diesel powered vehicles. '04
     We encourage the maritime industries to use bio-diesel fuel on the Chesapeake Bay and in other Maryland waterways. ’07
     We strongly believe that public officials need to seriously consider the opportunities and potential for increasing local or domestic demand of commodities through the production of Ethanol E-85. ‘07
     We recommend that the Maryland Department of Transportation make changes to guidelines so that current E85 (85% blend gasoline/ethanol) models may be used in fleets to meet alternative fuel mandates. ’07
     We urge the support of government agencies such as the Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED) in the development of bio-fuels in Maryland. '02

Other Alternative Energy Sources
     We encourage research, development and utilization of alternative energy sources from methane, biomass, wind, nuclear, solar, hydrogen, hydro and clean natural gas. ’08
     Additionally, we urge that this process be aided by appropriate government tax incentives. ’07
     We support the use of on-farm wind and solar energy production to provide electric energy for the farm and to be sold to the energy grid. We encourage state and county governments to provide regulatory support and encouragement for wind generators and turbines to help offset farm energy costs. ’08

Outdoor Wood Burning Furnaces
     Outdoor wood fired boilers/furnaces that utilize approved emission control systems and EPA best burn practices for Hydronic heaters should be allowed. ’08