>By Steve Kilar
WASHINGTON – With only four days until disputes between Democrats and Republicans over 2011 budget cuts could force a federal government shutdown, a bipartisan duo of Maryland representatives called for increased funding in the 2012 budget for renewable and efficient energy technologies.
“We’re starting at least 20 years too late doing this — so now it’s really, really catch-up time,” said Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Frederick, to a group of legislative staff and energy interest group representatives.
In conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, Reps. Bartlett and Chris Van Hollen, D-Kensington, hosted a budget analysis panel Monday to throw support behind President Obama’s $3.2 billion proposal for renewable and efficient energy programs in fiscal year 2012.
The proposal is a 44 percent increase from fiscal year 2010 appropriations, the last time Washington finalized a budget.
