Energy (Renewable Energy)

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 706: Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Alterations

SB 706 reduces Maryland's mandatory renewable energy targets for electricity suppliers. It lowers the required percentage of Tier 1 renewable sources (like solar, offshore wind, and geothermal) from previous levels to 26% in 2027 (down from 41.5%), 27.5% in 2028 (from 43%), 34% in 2029 (from 49.5%), and 34.5% in 2030+ (from 50%). The bill also maintains a 2.5% requirement for Tier 2 renewable sources each year. These changes directly affect electricity suppliers who must meet these annual renewable energy quotas for retail electricity sales in Maryland. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, applying to compliance years after December 31, 2026.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill lowers mandatory renewable energy targets (e.g., 41.5%→26% by 2027), weakening clean energy standards per its summary.92% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill reduces mandatory renewable energy targets (e.g., 41.5% → 26% for Tier 1 by 2027), directly weakening clean energy requirements for electricity suppliers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Wind

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 23: Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment

This bill creates Maryland's GREEN Loan Program, providing no-interest loans to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for solar panels, energy-efficient building upgrades (like new windows or HVAC systems), and related planning. Nonprofits must contribute 10% of project costs, with priority given to those with annual budgets under $1 million. The program is funded through state budget appropriations and transfers from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, managed by the Maryland Clean Energy Center. Loans require repayment over time with deferred payment options, and must demonstrate long-term energy cost savings exceeding the loan's total cost.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunded via state budget appropriations for nonprofit energy projects, advancing fiscal support for green initiatives through public spending.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes no-interest loans for nonprofits to install solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades, directly promoting renewable energy adoption and efficiency through state-funded program.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates no-interest loans for nonprofits to adopt solar/energy efficiency, promoting clean energy and reducing emissions. Funded by state and Clean Energy Center.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending State Budget Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 28, 2026

HB 460: Solar Energy - Construction of Generating Stations in Priority Preservation Areas and Study

HB 460 limits solar energy generating station construction in Maryland's priority preservation areas (protected lands established before 2025) to 2% of the total acreage, down from a previous 5% cap. It requires counties to report when this 2% limit is reached and prohibits local zoning laws from blocking solar projects meeting specific criteria. The bill also mandates the Maryland Department of the Environment to study the environmental impact of disposing of solar panels at end-of-life and report findings by September 2027. This directly affects counties, developers, and landowners in priority preservation areas by restricting solar development space and creating new reporting requirements. The policy change aims to balance renewable energy growth with conservation of sensitive lands.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyReduces solar construction cap from 5% to 2% in protected areas, restricting renewable energy development despite allowing some projects.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReduces solar construction cap in protected lands from 5% to 2%, strengthening environmental protection of priority preservation areas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Conservation

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 4, 2026

HB 695: Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment

HB 695 establishes the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program to provide no-interest loans to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Maryland. The program, managed by the Maryland Clean Energy Center, funds the planning, purchase, and installation of qualifying renewable energy systems (like solar panels) and energy efficiency improvements (such as HVAC upgrades or window replacements). Eligible projects must support Maryland’s environmental and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The program is funded through a new special nonlapsing loan fund, with interest earnings reinvested into the fund.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEstablishes no-interest loans for nonprofits to install solar panels and energy efficiency upgrades, directly promoting renewable energy adoption and clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds renewable energy systems and efficiency projects for nonprofits, directly advancing environmental protection and greenhouse gas reduction goals per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar Climate Change

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 345: Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act)

HB 345, the "Affordable Solar Act," creates new rules for solar energy systems in Maryland. It allows homeowners to install portable solar systems (max 1,200 watts) without utility approval or fees, while establishing two new credit types: SRECs for smaller residential systems and SREC-IIs for larger distributed or utility-scale projects (over 5MW). The bill requires utilities to procure specific SREC-II credits and redirects certain fees into new escrow accounts instead of the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. These changes directly affect residential solar users, utilities, and solar developers by altering renewable energy compliance standards and financial mechanisms.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill removes barriers for residential solar, creates SREC credits, mandates utility procurement of SREC-IIs, and redirects fees to support renewable energy infrastructure, directly advancing solar adoption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 341: Public Utilities – Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act)

SB 341 establishes new definitions for small portable solar systems (max 1,200 watts, plug-in devices for residential use) and creates two types of solar energy credits: SRECs for smaller systems and SREC-II for larger installations. It requires electric companies to procure a specific number of SREC-II credits from qualifying solar projects and mandates that certain compliance fees be deposited into an escrow account instead of the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. Homeowners using portable solar systems cannot have utility approval requirements or fees for grid connection, but these systems do not count toward renewable energy goals. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives gain flexibility in meeting solar requirements under the new framework.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates utilities to procure SREC-II credits from solar projects, creating market demand and directing fees to solar-specific escrow instead of general fund.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates utility procurement of solar credits (SREC-II), creates incentives for solar projects, and expands residential solar access - directly promoting clean energy adoption per environmental indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 119: Energy Performance Contracts - Navigators, Funding, and Requirements

HB 119 requires public bodies (including state agencies, counties, schools, and hospitals) to work with designated "navigators" when creating energy performance contracts - agreements where a company improves building energy efficiency in exchange for a share of savings. The Maryland Clean Energy Center must hire or contract with navigators in all Maryland regions using $1.5 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, providing assistance with grant applications, energy assessments, and navigating the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Program. Navigators help public bodies secure funding, review energy efficiency measures, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements for these contracts. The bill also updates state law to establish the navigator program and adjust funding mechanisms for energy efficiency initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds navigators via Strategic Energy Investment Fund to improve building efficiency through performance contracts, directly advancing energy efficiency goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires public bodies to use energy efficiency contracts with navigators funded by clean energy investments, directly advancing environmental protection through reduced emissions and resource conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Conservation

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signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 223: Maryland Energy Administration - Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program and Fund and Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund

SB 223 transfers administration of the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program from the Maryland Energy Administration to the Maryland Clean Energy Center. The bill moves the program’s legal authority to the Maryland Clean Energy Center, repeals the Energy Administration’s regulatory power over the program, and updates reporting requirements for the related Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. The program itself continues to provide low-interest loans to nonprofit organizations, local governments, state agencies, and eligible businesses for energy efficiency projects that reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. This change is purely administrative and does not alter the program’s eligibility criteria, loan terms, or funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyTransfers conservation loan program to Maryland Clean Energy Center, advancing clean energy funding and infrastructure through low-interest loans for nonprofits.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentContinues conservation loan program providing low-interest loans to nonprofits for environmental protection, maintaining funding for conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Climate Change Conservation

died · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026

HB 647: Power Plant Research Program - Study on Nuclear Energy

HB 647 requires Maryland's Power Plant Research Program to study whether nuclear energy qualifies as a renewable resource and could help combat climate change. The study must evaluate current nuclear energy use in Maryland, identify environmental benefits, assess barriers to new nuclear projects, identify potential construction sites, and examine adding nuclear energy to the state's renewable energy goals. The program must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by September 30, 2027. This bill directly affects the Power Plant Research Program and informs future energy policy decisions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill studies nuclear energy's potential as renewable resource and inclusion in state renewable goals, directly advancing renewable energy policy exploration per topic indicators.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates study of nuclear energy's environmental benefits and climate impact, evaluating its potential to combat climate change and align with renewable energy goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy Climate Change

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