Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman recently announced two key solar and renewable energy initiatives.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman today announced two key solar and renewable energy initiatives. Executive Order 57 commits the county to purchasing 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 to run all government operations. The County Executive also signed Bill 19-22, paving the way for a public-private partnership with Ameresco to build a solar project on the closed Glen Burnie Landfill that will provide the County with clean electricity and cost savings for the next 25 years.
According to the press release:
“This landfill solar project is proof that clean energy is a sound investment,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “With this project, and the renewable energy commitments we are making in the executive order, we are saving taxpayers money and ushering in a cleaner and greener Anne Arundel County for all.”
Executive Order 57 commits the County to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by using less electricity and purchasing electricity from renewable sources. The order requires the County to partner with the private sector to build more solar energy facilities on brownfields, landfills, and other County-owned properties; retrofit existing buildings to use less energy, and design newer, more energy-efficient buildings.
As the first step to purchasing more renewable energy, the County will lease about 20 acres of the closed Glen Burnie Landfill to Ameresco to build a solar energy generating facility. Over the next 25 years, the County will receive $3.075 M in lease payments from Ameresco and will purchase solar energy from Ameresco at set costs that are estimated to save taxpayers $3.675 M. Together, the County estimates the solar project will provide $6.75 M in taxpayer savings.
