(ROCKVILLE, MD) – October 2, 2008 – The Tech Council of Maryland, representing more than 525 companies in the nation's second-largest technology hub, held their first Clean and Green Technology Conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, MD. At the Clean and Green Technology Conference, speakers KP Lau, representing Senator John McCain, and Scott Sklar, representing Senator Barack Obama, squared off on the candidate's proposed energy initiatives in a "Green Energy Town Hall" forum. In a friendly poll following the debate, attendees were asked to put partisan preference aside and vote on the plan they preferred. Attendees voted presidential candidate Barack Obama's energy plan as the most "green."
Rick Harris, executive director of TCM's MdTech Division, noted that both presidential candidates distinguished themselves early on in their campaigns for their advocacy of renewable energy and green technology investment. Both speakers discussed the need for programs that lead to greater energy independence and promote the development of more fuel efficient automobiles, including hybrid and electric cars. Each highlighted that energy security is critical to national security. However, the two camps differed sharply on the role of nuclear energy and the effectiveness of windfall profit taxes, which swung the attendee vote toward Obama as the most "green friendly" candidate.
The TCM Clean and Green Conference, sponsored by the law firm of Morrison and Foerster, attracted more than 100 attendees from the mid-Atlantic region. Topics ranged from exploring the different technologies and alternatives that exist for energy consumption, case studies of what companies are currently doing, and an examination of the legislative and regulatory landscape.
Earlier in the day, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot called for an investment of up to $1 billion in state pension funds to support the state's green technology and life sciences sectors. Noting Maryland's leadership status in technology, Franchot expressed the goal of positioning Maryland as the nation's No. 1 Green State. He cited similar successful programs in North Carolina, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, and predicted the program would provide a substantial boost to Maryland's business community a significant return on the investment.
Franchot commended TCM volunteer leaders and staff for their forceful advocacy for the interests of the technology industry and their efforts to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of the technology and biotech industries to Maryland.
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ABOUT THE TECH COUNCIL OF MARYLAND, INC.
The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is the largest technology trade group serving the advanced technology and biotechnology communities of Maryland. TCM's mission is to advocate for the interests of the technology community, further the role of technology in the Maryland economy, and nurture an environment where technology companies can collaborate, grow and succeed. For more information, visit www.techcouncilmd.com.