Environment - Local Building Energy Performance Standards - Authorization

SB 807 authorizes Maryland counties to adopt local building energy performance standards that are stricter than the state's requirements, provided the standards are approved by the Department of the Environment. If approved, counties can enforce these local standards - including setting alternative compliance pathways and fees - and exempt covered buildings under their rules from complying with statewide energy standards. The bill ensures local standards must match or exceed the state’s targets (20% emissions reduction by 2030, net-zero by 2040) or achieve greater aggregate reductions by 2040. It applies to commercial buildings, requiring owners to report emissions data annually and allowing counties to collect fees for noncompliance.