HB 1040 mandates that Maryland's Strategic Energy Investment Fund allocate at least $365 million annually from fiscal years 2028 through 2032 specifically to climate change programs. This includes $100 million for incentives to replace gas stoves, resistive electric heating, and electric water heaters with energy-efficient alternatives like induction stoves and heat pumps; $50 million for expanding solar energy deployment through community solar and equity programs; and $25 million for electric vehicle infrastructure and zero-emission vehicle incentives. The bill directly affects Maryland residents (through home appliance rebates) and businesses (via solar and EV programs) by funding concrete climate action. These allocations are mandatory, ensuring dedicated state funding for measurable climate impact reduction over the specified period.
HB 1195 replaces Maryland's net energy metering program with the SUNRISE Program, requiring electric companies to implement it through specific tariffs and establish a Standard Utility Net-export Rate. The bill creates a dedicated capacity block for low- and moderate-income households in the Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program and mandates automatic capacity reservations for qualifying systems. It requires electric companies to apply bill credits to eligible households and report annual program participation, savings, and expenditures to the legislature. The law directly affects low- and moderate-income households by ensuring their access to community solar benefits and guaranteed bill savings under specific circumstances.
SB 801 requires Maryland to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) by January 1, 2027, with conditions allowing rejoining if other states join RGGI or Maryland becomes a net electricity exporter. It eliminates the utility surcharge funding EmPOWER energy efficiency programs, shifting cost recovery away from customer bills. The bill also modifies net energy metering rates, altering how customers with solar panels are compensated for excess electricity fed back to the grid. These changes directly affect the state government, utilities, ratepayers, and residential/commercial solar customers. The policy focuses on restructuring energy cost recovery and emissions program participation without endorsing specific environmental outcomes.
SB 834 imposes a moratorium starting July 1, 2026, prohibiting state government from implementing or enforcing energy efficiency and conservation programs tied to greenhouse gas reduction goals. It requires the Public Service Commission to let electric and gas companies continue recovering costs incurred before July 1, 2026, for programs established under prior law until all such costs are fully recovered. The Commission must report to the legislature within three months of full cost recovery, including a recommendation on whether to lift the moratorium. This bill directly affects utilities, the Public Service Commission, and state agencies overseeing energy programs, with no new program requirements after the moratorium date.
SB 923 creates three new state funds to promote solar photovoltaic modules, energy storage systems, and zero-emission vehicles in Maryland. Each fund will be financed through a fee-based marketing program (a "checkoff" where industry participants pay small contributions) to support statewide promotion efforts. The funds are permanent (nonlapsing) and will retain all interest earnings instead of transferring them to the state general fund. Advisory councils, made up of industry representatives and state officials, will manage the funds and guide marketing initiatives for these technologies.
HB 988 repeals Maryland's existing building energy performance standards for commercial and multifamily buildings over 35,000 square feet. It removes requirements for these buildings to achieve a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040, as well as annual reporting of emissions data. The bill specifically repeals Sections 2-1601 and 2-1602 of the Environment Article and amends Section 4-211(d)(1) and (2) of the Housing and Community Development Article. This eliminates the state's regulatory framework for building energy efficiency, directly affecting owners of covered commercial and multifamily properties.
HB 1161, the BPW Climate Transparency Act, requires Maryland state agencies to provide specific climate and sustainability details when submitting certain contracts (like construction, energy performance, and public-private partnerships) to the Board of Public Works for approval. Agencies must explain how these contracts support greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience, sustainable practices, and compliance with green building standards. The Department of General Services will issue guidance to help agencies meet these requirements, and the information must be included on the Board's agenda for review. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 1349 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to develop a plan converting formerly operational fossil fuel power plants to natural gas facilities. The plan must include feasibility studies, cost assessments, solutions for legal/engineering barriers, a conversion timeline balancing costs and reliability, and draft legislation needed for implementation. The Commission must gather input from energy agencies, utilities, local governments, and advocacy groups through a public stakeholder process. The final plan must be submitted to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects the Public Service Commission and indirectly impacts utility companies, ratepayers, and communities hosting former fossil fuel plants.
SB 841 changes how Maryland uses fees paid by utilities to fund renewable energy projects. Instead of direct grants, it requires the Maryland Energy Administration to run annual competitive auctions where developers bid to build renewable energy projects. The bill sets specific targets for project capacity, deadlines for completion, and eligibility rules for bidders, including prioritizing projects benefiting low-income or overburdened communities. It redirects existing compliance fees - previously used for solar grants - into this auction system to accelerate renewable energy development.
HB 1104 requires Maryland counties and municipalities to implement specific solar permitting software by August 1, 2027, for residential solar systems, energy storage, and electrical upgrades. The bill mandates that remote inspections (via video or photo) replace in-person checks for these systems, capping remote inspection costs at $100 and requiring completion within standard timelines. It also sets a $200 maximum fee for residential solar permits and prohibits manual permit reviews after software approval. This bill directly affects homeowners installing solar systems and local governments managing permitting processes by standardizing and streamlining the approval workflow.
