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
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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
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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
45–4
Passed
Total votes 49
Mar 26, 2026
D
Democratic36
100% Yea
R
Republican13
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
Brian Feldman
DDemocratic
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