By Hannah Sabo
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The Baltimore City Council introduced a bill on Monday that would ensure that certain revenues gained from the City’s Energy Tax are committed to the Fair Election Fund.
The Energy Tax, created by a bill adopted in 2004, obligates any energy delivered for use in Baltimore City to be taxed unless it’s being used by governmental agencies. About 2.8% of the overall cost of oil and 3% of the overall cost of petroleum for residents determine the amount taxed per individual, officials said.
Manufacturers are taxed at a rate of 17% of the overall cost of oil and 23% of the cost of petroleum. All other users are taxed 8% to 10% of the overall cost for both.
The Fair Election Fund was created to diminish the influence of corporations and wealthy individuals over government. People running for office would follow certain rules to use taxpayer money from the fund that voters authorized. To receive money, campaigns would have to agree not to accept more than $150 from each private donor.
Officials said that 72% of Baltimoreans voted in favor of the Fair Election Fund in 2018, and the fund is anticipated to be available for candidates’ use in the 2024 election. Supporters said the idea behind the fund is to free candidates from having to seek big-dollar donations from corporations or other interests who might then expect special treatment in return.
Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke introduced a resolution for Baltimore’s Fair Development Plan for Zero Waste: 2020-2040 and Beyond. The plan, backed by four other council members, is to transition the city away from incinerating garbage and towards recycling. Composting and reuse also are promoted in the proposal, which is estimated to expand Baltimore’s economy by creating 1,800 jobs in the next two years.
Council President Brandon Scott, Vice-President Sharon Middleton, and council members Ed Reisinger, Kristerfer Burnett and Shannon Sneed all voiced support.
Officials estimated that Baltimoreans spend $55 million a year to correct health ailments caused by poor air quality created by burning garbage. The incineration of garbage in Curtis Bay peaked at 4,000-tons per day, a phenomenon that inspired council members to organize change.
“This can be made possible all throughout the city, even in government-housing,” said Clarke. “To those with grandchildren, think of what you are going to say to them when they ask you, ‘what did you do when the world was falling apart?’ We have to act now, before mother nature destroys us.”