Gov. Wes Moore was earmarked $17 million for projects to improve energy efficiency in public schools across Maryland — nearly half what was distributed the previous year.
The program, known as Decarbonizing Public Schools, is expected to direct $17 million to 30 projects in 11 school districts to advance large-scale electrification and install solar energy systems.
Last year’s investment was $33 million, and the first year of the program in 2022 provided $24 million. The Moore administration said they were able to prioritize the initiative despite “the most difficult legislative session in years,” spokesman Carter Elliott said in a statement.
Maryland Energy Administration calibrates funding for the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program based on demand. Aggressive funding in one year can mean fewer projects in ready to break ground in the following year.
Some of the most significant spending is in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools received funding for more projects than any other district, with Moore funding 13. The largest is at Corkran Middle School, totaling $4.8 million, including $1.25 million to improve building automation system controls, which reduce wasted energy with a computer program to monitor and control HVAC systems automatically.
The Democratic governor also set aside $2 million for the Park Heights Academy in Baltimore to replace a fuel-oil HVAC system and install a 550-kilowatt rooftop solar system.
“Investing in cutting-edge, cost-saving energy technology is a win for our schools, a win for our environment, a win for our workers and a win for fiscal responsibility. Everyone stands to benefit,” Moore said in a statement Friday.
Last year’s investment was $33 million, and the first year of the program in 2022 provided $24 million. Moore’s office did not immediately respond to questions about why the funding was cut.
Other high-budget projects include $1 million to install a rooftop solar system at East Salisbury Elementary School in Wicomico County, $2.15 million to replace propane cooling systems at Pocomoke Elementary School in Worcester County and $540,000 to replace natural gas HVAC systems at the Cecil County School of Technology.
“Maryland’s public schools are teaching the country by example how to cut their operating costs and carbon emissions at the same time,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky.
Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205.
from Baltimore Sun https://ift.tt/bfTNYI8
via IFTTT
