SB 669 extends the deadline for solar energy systems to be placed in service to qualify for Maryland's Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program, changing the window from 2024-2028 to 2024-2031. It also doubles the statewide capacity cap for medium-sized systems (20 kilowatts to 5 megawatts) from 270 megawatts to 540 megawatts, specifically for systems installed on rooftops, parking canopies, brownfields, or industrial water sites. This bill directly affects residential, commercial, and community solar system owners seeking certification under the program, enabling more installations while maintaining eligibility rules for smaller systems under 20 kilowatts.
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.
HB 967 prohibits Maryland electric companies from collecting certain environmental surcharges or fees during the year following any year when residential electricity bills rise faster than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban consumers. It directly affects residential electricity customers by preventing additional charges if their bills outpace general inflation. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to annually calculate the annual growth in both the CPI and average residential electricity bills (using data ending June 30) and to block environmental fees if bill growth exceeds CPI growth. This applies to most environmental fees but excludes three specific fee types listed in the bill.
HB 1315 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment, with input from the Department of Natural Resources, to study vessel-based technologies that capture or remove microplastic particles in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The study will identify specific technologies (like filters using boat engine cooling systems, vessel-mounted filtration, and floating systems), assess their effectiveness, environmental impacts, costs, and practicality for use on recreational, commercial, and state vessels. It will also evaluate how these technologies could integrate with existing water quality programs and explore potential incentives for adoption. This study aims to inform future decisions about addressing microplastic pollution but does not mandate any new regulations or technology implementation.
SB 971 establishes Gwynns Falls State Park as a partnership between Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources and Baltimore City, prohibiting entrance fees and requiring the park to include a specified area. The bill mandates the Department and Baltimore City to jointly develop a master plan with an independent consultant, hold community focus groups, and create a stakeholder advisory committee. It also allocates $4 million in fiscal year 2028 to renovate the Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park office into a shared partnership park office and visitor center. This bill directly affects the Department of Natural Resources, Baltimore City, and residents of Baltimore who will gain access to the new park without entry fees.
HB 992 establishes a new electronic device producer responsibility program in Maryland, requiring manufacturers of covered devices (including computers, TVs, tablets, game consoles, and accessories like earbuds) to register, pay annual fees into a dedicated recycling fund, and include recycling information on products. The program mandates that manufacturers facilitate collection and recycling/refurbishment of covered devices through producer responsibility organizations, which must submit and get approval for plans from the Department of the Environment. It repeals older takeback program rules and creates an advisory council to guide implementation, while prohibiting manufacturers from selling devices without meeting these requirements. The law directly affects electronics manufacturers selling in Maryland, shifting responsibility for end-of-life device management to producers.
HB 1591 amends Maryland's wetlands law to clarify that vessels registered under Title 8, Subtitle 7 of the Natural Resources Article are explicitly excluded from the definition of a "nonwater-dependent project." This change directly affects vessel owners and operators, as it prevents these vessels from being classified under a category that would require separate permitting for wetlands construction. The bill modifies Section 16-101(i)(v) of the Annotated Code of Maryland to add this exclusion, ensuring vessels are not subject to the licensing requirements applicable to other nonwater-dependent projects. This adjustment streamlines regulatory treatment for registered vessels without altering broader wetlands protection standards.
HB 970 renames Maryland's "Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard" to the "Clean Energy Portfolio Standard" and changes related terms like "renewable energy credits" to "clean energy credits." The bill explicitly adds electricity generated from certain nuclear power plants as an eligible Tier 2 source for meeting the standard, expanding the types of energy that can count toward compliance. This change directly affects utilities and energy providers required to meet the state's clean energy targets, applying retroactively to prior compliance periods. The bill focuses on updating terminology and eligibility criteria within existing energy policy frameworks.
HB 806 creates a formal certification process for facilities conducting vehicle emissions inspections in Maryland. It requires the Motor Vehicle Administration and Environment Secretary to establish application rules and standards to certify these facilities, replacing previous provisions. The bill directly affects auto repair shops and inspection stations seeking to legally perform emissions tests under the state program. Key provisions include defining "Certified Emissions Inspection Facility" and mandating that all such facilities must meet the new certification requirements. This changes how facilities qualify to operate, without altering emissions standards or testing procedures themselves.
SB 667 establishes Maryland’s Edible Forests and Foraging Program within the Department of Natural Resources. It requires individuals to obtain a permit for foraging (harvesting noncommercial plants/mushrooms) in designated state-owned areas, with fee waivers available for those demonstrating financial need. The program mandates the department to create and maintain edible forests on state land (subject to funding), where foraging is permit-free. A dedicated fund, financed by permit fees and interest earnings, will support program costs like establishing foraging areas and edible forests.
