Environment - Building Energy Performance Standards - Compliance and Reporting

SB 256 updates Maryland's building energy standards by requiring owners of covered buildings to pay an alternative compliance fee if they fail to meet energy use intensity targets. The fee covers both greenhouse gas emissions and energy use attributable to non-compliance, with all collected funds deposited into the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. The bill also mandates an annual reporting fee to cover administrative costs for the Department of the Environment. These changes directly affect building owners of commercial properties subject to the energy performance standards, including special provisions for healthcare, military, and other specific building types.