Coal Transportation Fee and Fossil Fuel Mitigation Fund (Coal Dust Cleanup and Asthma Remediation Act)

HB 1088 imposes a $13 fee per short ton on coal transporters in Maryland, with revenue funding the new Fossil Fuel Mitigation Fund. The fee applies to the first carrier transporting coal in the state, excluding coal solely for farm use. The permanent fund supports programs reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel impacts, administered by the Department or Maryland Clean Energy Center. It directly affects coal transportation companies and targets activities benefiting overburdened communities defined by environmental health indicators.