SB 625 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Carbon Dioxide Capture, Removal, and Sequestration Projects - Regulations and Standards for Biochar and Wood Vault Technologies

SB 625 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to adopt regulations by January 1, 2028, for permitting carbon removal technologies and practices certified by an internationally recognized third party. It also mandates that all state agencies use available funding to support carbon removal projects using these certified technologies. The bill directly affects the Department of the Environment (which must create the regulations) and state agencies (which must redirect funding toward qualifying projects). This legislation establishes a framework for integrating carbon removal into state environmental and funding policies.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Signed May 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Third - Carbon Dioxide Capture, Removal, and Sequestration Projects - Regulations and Standards Enrolled - Carbon Dioxide Capture, Removal, and Sequestration Projects - Regulations and Standards for Biochar and Wood Vault Technologies · 4 edits · May 12, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was finalized as an Enrolled Bill, adding specific references to Biochar and Wood Vault Technologies to the legislation. The scope was narrowed to focus exclusively on these two technologies rather than all carbon removal projects. A new requirement was added mandating that the Department of the Environment consult with the Department of Agriculture when developing regulations for these specific technologies.
Scope change
The bill's scope changed from general carbon capture, removal, and sequestration projects to specifically target only Biochar and Wood Vault Technologies.
SCOPE

The title and purpose clauses were updated to explicitly include 'Biochar and Wood Vault Technologies'.

REQUIREMENT

A new subsection requires the Department of the Environment to consult with the Department of Agriculture when creating regulations for these specific technologies.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for regulatory permitting and state funding is now restricted to projects utilizing Biochar or Wood Vault Technologies.

DEFINITION

The definition of a qualifying project was updated to specify that it must utilize Biochar or Wood Vault Technologies.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 26, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 30, 2026

How they voted

454
Passed
Total votes 49
Mar 26, 2026
D Democratic36
36 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican13
9 Yea 4 Nay
69% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
19
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Amendments
1
May 12, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 411
executive
Apr 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Enrolled
upper
Apr 13, 2026
Introduced
Senate Concurs House Amendments
upper
Apr 13, 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 30, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (111-25-6)
house of delegates
Mar 26, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (45-4)
senate
Mar 23, 2026
Committee
Referred Environment and Transportation
lower
Mar 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
upper
Mar 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
upper
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Brian Feldman
Brian Feldman
DDemocratic
MD
15