Carbon Dioxide Capture, Removal, and Sequestration Projects - Regulations and Standards for Biochar and Wood Vault Technologies
HB 817 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to create permitting regulations for certified carbon removal technologies and practices by January 1, 2028. It mandates all state agencies to use existing funding to support carbon removal projects using technologies certified by internationally recognized third parties. The bill directly affects state agencies (which must allocate funds) and carbon removal technology providers (which must meet certification standards to qualify for permits). It aims to streamline regulatory processes by replacing outdated solid waste rules with new, technology-specific requirements.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 4, 2026
Last action Apr 10, 2026
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What changed between versions
First - Carbon Removal Technology and Practices - Regulations and Use of Funding
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Third - Carbon Dioxide Capture, Removal, and Sequestration Projects - Regulations and Standards for Biochar and Wood Vault Technologies
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5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was significantly expanded to include specific regulations for biochar and wood vault technologies, which were previously excluded. It now requires the Department of the Environment to consult with the Department of Agriculture when creating rules for these new technologies. Additionally, the bill was renumbered to reflect its new status as Chapter 9-303.6 in the Annotated Code of Maryland, and the list of sponsoring delegates was updated.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from general carbon removal practices to explicitly include biochar and wood vault technologies, requiring specific regulatory standards for these methods.
SCOPE
Added specific requirements for regulating biochar and wood vault technologies alongside general carbon removal practices.
REQUIREMENT
Mandated that the Department of Environment consult with the Department of Agriculture when developing regulations for the new technologies.
DEFINITION
Updated the bill title and statutory section numbers to reflect the inclusion of biochar and wood vault technologies.
ELIGIBILITY
Updated the list of sponsoring delegates to include Healey, Odom, and Stein.
TECHNICAL
Added procedural text indicating the bill has been adopted and is ready for final signature.
Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 24, 2026
How they voted
106–22
Passed · 14 other
Total votes 142
Mar 24, 2026
D
Democratic103
93% Yea
R
Republican39
56% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
8
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Apr 10, 2026
Committee
Referred Rules
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
lower
Mar 24, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (106-22-14)
house of delegates
Feb 4, 2026
Committee
First Reading Environment and Transportation
lower
9 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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