2036

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 497

(A)  IN AWARDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR AN ENERGY
PROJECT, THE AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATION SHALL CONSIDER THE
EXTENT TO WHICH ANY ENERGY PROJECT FOR WHICH FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE IS AWARDED WOULD:

(1)  RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE CONSUMPTION OF
ENERGY, PARTICULARLY THE CONSUMPTION OF PETROLEUM;

(2)  RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENERGY SUPPLY
AVAILABLE TO THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE;

(3)  RESULT IN INCREASES IN EMPLOYMENT AND
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN MARYLAND;

(4)  EMBODY SOUND TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC

FEASIBILITY;

(5)  MINIMIZE ANY ADVERSE IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY; AND

(6)  MAXIMIZE THE UTILIZATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS
THAT PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR ENERGY PROJECTS.

(B)  ANY DECISION OF THE BOARD ADMINISTRATION
CONCERNING THE AWARD OR PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
SHALL BE REVIEWABLE BY THE SECRETARY, AND THE SECRETARY'S
DECISION SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND NOT BE SUBJECTED TO THE
FURTHER REVIEW, MODIFICATION OR APPROVAL OF ANY OTHER STATE
BOARD, DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY.

13-107. 523.

(A)  IN EXERCISING THE POWERS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS
TITLE SUBTITLE, THE AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATION SHALL HAVE AND
CARRY OUT DUTIES INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.

(B)  THE AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATION SHALL PROMOTE THE
VARIOUS PROGRAMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR ENERGY PROJECTS
ESTABLISHED UNDER THIS TITLE SUBTITLE BY INFORMING
CONSUMERS, THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OF
THE BENEFITS OF THESE PROGRAMS, AND BY ACTIVELY SEEKING
THEIR PARTICIPATION. IN PARTICULAR, THE AUTHORITY
ADMINISTRATION SHALL:

(1)  SERVE AS A CLEARINGHOUSE FOR INFORMATION ON
FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FOR ENERGY PROJECTS;

(2)  DEVELOP AND DISSEMINATE CLEAR AND CONCISE
DESCRIPTIONS OF ITS VARIOUS PROGRAMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
FOR ENERGY PROJECTS; AND,

(3)  MINIMIZE ITS APPLICATION, REPORTING, AND
RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE AND
FACILITATE THE UTILIZATION OF ITS FINANCIAL PROGRAMS.