Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 655: Electronic Device Producer Responsibility Program - Established

SB 655 establishes Maryland's first statewide program requiring electronic device manufacturers to fund and manage recycling. It directly affects companies that produce covered devices like computers, TVs, printers, tablets, headphones, and routers (as defined in Section 9-1701(g)). Key provisions include mandatory registration fees paid into a dedicated recycling fund, requirements for manufacturers to include recycling information on products, and new rules for producer responsibility organizations to submit and get approval for recycling plans. The program aims to streamline collection, recycling, refurbishment, or reuse of these devices through the Department of the Environment, replacing older takeback programs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires manufacturers to fund electronics recycling, reducing e-waste pollution and conserving resources through producer responsibility rules.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SB 596: Large Load Customers - Electric System Interconnection and Demand Response Program

SB 596 exempts large commercial or industrial electricity customers (defined as those with 25+ MW monthly demand and over 80% load factor) from needing a certificate of public convenience to connect to the grid when using surplus interconnection capacity. It establishes a new interconnection process with standard and expedited timelines, requiring these customers to cover 25% of their power needs through on-site storage, new carbon-free energy sources, or demand response. The bill also mandates a Demand Response Program where large customers can opt for scheduled load reductions during peak times in exchange for compensation, with fees from interconnection requests split between universal service and low-income energy efficiency programs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates 25% of power from carbon-free sources or demand response, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel reliance for large customers.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 25% carbon-free energy use for large customers, directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Resilience Solar

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passed · Maryland · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 841: Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRedirects utility compliance fees to fund renewable projects via competitive auctions with capacity targets and prioritizes low-income community benefits, advancing renewable energy infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes competitive auctions for renewable energy projects with capacity targets, prioritizing low-income communities, directly advancing clean energy funding and environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

HB 775: Wetlands and Waterways Permits - Lighthouse Piers - Permission of Owner of Private Wetlands

This bill changes permit requirements for certain lighthouse piers near private wetlands. It removes the need for builders to obtain permission from private wetlands owners for piers that are: (1) located within private wetlands, (2) connected to a lighthouse, and (3) not connected to the shore. However, builders must still secure all necessary approvals from the Maryland Board and Department before construction. The bill directly affects lighthouse operators or owners planning pier construction in these specific wetland areas.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRemoves private wetlands owner consent requirement, weakening a protective layer for wetland areas without adding environmental safeguards.85% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 26, 2026

HB 988: Environment - Building Energy Performance Standards - Repeal

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.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRepeals GHG reduction targets and reporting, weakening Maryland's clean energy standards and climate goals.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRepeals GHG reduction targets (20% by 2030, net-zero by 2040) and emissions reporting, weakening Maryland's building energy standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 687: Environment - Flood Risk Review Process - Establishment

SB 687 establishes a mandatory flood risk review process for areas at risk of tidal or nontidal flooding in Maryland. It requires the Department of the Environment to implement this process when reviewing certain development plans and permits, and to consult with local governments, state agencies, and watershed groups before final decisions. The bill makes the flood risk determination binding on local stormwater management approvals, ensuring it becomes part of the local permitting process. This directly affects the Department of the Environment, local jurisdictions managing stormwater approvals, and developers seeking permits in flood-prone areas. The policy changes focus on integrating flood risk assessments into existing development reviews to better protect communities from flooding impacts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates flood risk review for development permits, making environmental protections binding in local stormwater management approvals to prevent flood damage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 559: Natural Resources - Recreational Fishery Data Collection Program - Established

SB 559 requires recreational anglers in Maryland with a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or registration to report their striped bass catches to the Department of Natural Resources. The bill mandates the Department to create regulations allowing multiple reporting methods, including a mobile app (to be prioritized where feasible) and alternatives for people without internet access. It directly affects all licensed recreational fishermen targeting striped bass in Maryland’s coastal waters and the Chesapeake Bay. The key provision is establishing a mandatory reporting system to improve catch data collection, with specific requirements for accessible and technologically flexible reporting options. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires catch reporting for striped bass management, supporting sustainable fisheries conservation through data collection and resource monitoring.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 875: Oysters - Rotational Harvest - Pilot Program

SB 875 establishes a 5-year pilot program for rotating oyster harvesting in four designated areas of the Chesapeake Bay, managed by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources. The program requires the Department to open different oyster bars each season, collect baseline data before opening and monitor after closing, and mandate that harvested oyster shells be replaced in the same area to support habitat restoration. This directly affects oyster harvesters in those four areas by changing seasonal harvesting access and requiring shell recycling. The policy aims to promote sustainable oyster populations through data-driven management and habitat conservation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates shell replacement for habitat restoration in oyster harvesting, directly conserving natural resources and supporting Chesapeake Bay ecosystem health.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 13, 2026

HB 1560: Forest Conservation - Incentives - Pilot Program and Fund

HB 1560 establishes a pilot program to incentivize Maryland’s nonindustrial private forest landowners (who manage 75% of the state’s 2.4 million forest acres) to adopt ecosystem-focused forest management plans. It creates the Forest Ecosystem Value Incentives Fund - a permanent, interest-earning fund - to finance the program, replacing current permanent conservation agreements with flexible management commitments. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to design plans that maximize public benefits like carbon sequestration, water quality, and biodiversity, without requiring perpetual land conservation. This shifts incentives toward active forest management rather than permanent land retirement.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Forest Ecosystem Value Incentives Fund to incentivize ecosystem-focused forest management, conserving 75% of Maryland's forest acres through permanent funding and updated conservation commitments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Water Quality

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 912: Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Exemption for Vehicles Formerly Registered as Historic

SB 912 exempts certain historic vehicles from Maryland's mandatory emissions inspections. It applies specifically to vehicles that were registered as historic under Maryland law before July 1, 2025, but lost that status solely due to a 2025 law change (Chapter 604). Owners must certify the vehicle’s prior historic registration date to qualify for the exemption. The bill modifies existing emissions inspection rules (Maryland Code, Transportation Article § 23-206.2) to create this specific exception, effective July 1, 2026. This directly affects owners of qualifying historic vehicles who would otherwise face inspection requirements.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts historic vehicles from emissions inspections, weakening pollution control regulations by removing a requirement that reduces vehicle emissions and environmental pollution.85% confidence

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