Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Section 5-920

      (a)      In awarding financial assistance for an energy project, the Authority 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 citizens of the State;

            (3)      Result in increases in employment and economic activity in the State;

            (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)      The Authority shall promote the various programs of financial assistance for energy projects established under this 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 shall:

            (1)      Develop and disseminate clear and concise descriptions of its various programs of financial assistance for energy projects; and

            (2)      Serve as a clearinghouse for information on federal and State programs that provide financial assistance for energy projects.

      (c)      The Authority shall take all actions necessary to qualify for and to participate in the various programs of financial assistance for energy projects established under the Energy Security Act, P.L. 96-294. In furtherance thereof, the Authority shall be specifically deemed to be, for purposes of that act:

            (1)      A "person", as defined in Title II, § 203(17), concerning the financing of biomass energy, municipal solid waste, and alcohol fuels projects;

            (2)      A "government corporation", as used in Title II, Subtitle C, § 252, concerning the financing of other biomass energy projects; and

            (3)      A "person", as used in Title VI, Subtitle A, § 611, concerning the financing of geothermal energy projects.

      (d)      The Authority is considered to be a "nonprofit organization", as used in §§ 402 and 403 of Title IV of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, P.L. 95-617, concerning small-scale hydropower projects.