Maryland Building Performance Standards - Fossil Fuel Use and Electric-Ready Standards

HB 212 requires new buildings in Maryland to meet all energy needs without fossil fuels, with deadlines based on building height: under-7-story buildings must comply by October 1, 2027 (for permits received before that date), and 7+ story buildings by October 1, 2031. The bill allows limited waivers for emergency backup systems or specific facilities like hospitals, but waived buildings must still minimize fossil fuel emissions and comply with an "electric-ready" standard for future electrification. Local jurisdictions may grant waivers only for technical feasibility (not cost), and waivers require annual review. This directly affects new construction projects statewide, phasing out fossil fuel dependence in building energy systems.