Public Record
Energy and Andy Harris
He talks “energy independence” and lower bills. His voting record repeatedly blocks the clean-energy and efficiency tools that cut costs, stabilize prices, and protect the Eastern Shore from grid and climate risk.
What Harris says publicly
On his official energy issue page and in public statements, Andy Harris presents himself as a champion of “energy independence,” affordability, and reliability. He emphasizes:
- Lowering energy costs for families
- Opposing what he calls “job-killing regulations”
- Supporting domestic energy production
- Framing renewable-energy investments as government overreach
His messaging casts him as a protector of working families against high utility bills—while warning that clean-energy policies threaten reliability and local jobs.
Voting record
Where Harris has supported Eastern Shore energy interests
Restored $60 million in Chesapeake Bay cleanup funding
Harris played an instrumental role in restoring $60 million in federal funding for the Chesapeake Bay cleanup program after earlier proposals had eliminated the program entirely — protecting a critical resource for the region's fishing and tourism economy. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Co-chaired the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force
Harris serves as a co-chair of the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force and helped pass $93 million in EPA Bay Program funding in FY2026, including $2 million specifically targeting invasive blue catfish threatening native species. (Source: Rep. Elfreth — Bay Task Force press release)
Supports nuclear and hydrogen as clean energy alternatives
Harris has publicly supported federal investment in nuclear energy and hydrogen technology as lower-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, positioning himself as open to technological solutions to climate challenges. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Where Harris has opposed clean energy and climate investments
Voted against rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement
Harris voted against H.R. 9 in 2019, which would have prevented the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The U.S. subsequently withdrew, removing it from a global framework for coordinated climate action. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Blocked offshore wind development near Ocean City
In 2017, Harris inserted an amendment into the FY2018 appropriations bill banning federal funding for offshore wind within 24 nautical miles of the coast — effectively blocking two state-approved wind farms planned 17 miles offshore, citing tourism concerns. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Voted against the Coastal and Marine Economies Act
Harris voted against legislation that would have banned new offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, even while publicly opposing offshore drilling near Maryland's coastline. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Impact on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Higher bills, fewer options
Rural residents spend more on energy. Harris’s votes block programs that would permanently lower costs.
Missed job opportunities
Clean-energy manufacturing, installation, and maintenance are among the fastest-growing job sectors nationwide—including in rural areas.
Increased climate & infrastructure risk
Without resilience investments, storms and flooding damage grids, homes, and farms—raising insurance and utility costs.
Public Statements and Voting Record
Bottom line: Public Statements and Voting Record
Where he has supported Eastern Shore energy interests
- Restored $60M in Chesapeake Bay cleanup funding
- Co-chaired Bay Watershed Task Force, secured $93M (FY2026)
- Supports nuclear and hydrogen clean energy research
Where he has opposed clean energy investments
- Voted against rejoining the Paris Agreement
- Blocked offshore wind farms near Ocean City (2017)
- Voted against banning new offshore Atlantic drilling