Environment

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 926: Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products - Definition of Exempt Material - Alteration

SB 926 amends Maryland's definition of "exempt material" under extended producer responsibility rules for packaging and paper products. It specifically adds packaging for FDA-regulated products (drugs, dietary supplements, and medical devices) to the list of materials manufacturers don't need to cover under these rules. This change directly affects manufacturers of those FDA-regulated products, removing their packaging from requirements like disposal cost responsibility. The bill updates existing law without creating new obligations, effective June 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts FDA-regulated packaging from EPR requirements, reducing manufacturer waste management responsibility and weakening environmental regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

HB 1525: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, EmPOWER Energy Efficiency Programs, and Community Solar Energy Generating Systems

HB 1525 would require Maryland to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) by January 1, 2027, ending the state's participation in a regional program that sets carbon emission limits for power plants. The bill eliminates a surcharge utilities used to recover costs for energy efficiency programs (EmPOWER), directly affecting how these programs are funded. It also limits the amount of electricity that can be purchased or credited under community solar programs. Maryland could rejoin RGGI if all other PJM Interconnection states become full members or if the state becomes a net electricity exporter.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyWithdraws from RGGI carbon program, eliminates EmPOWER funding surcharge, and limits community solar - directly weakening clean energy infrastructure and efficiency programs.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentWithdraws from RGGI (carbon limits), eliminates EmPOWER funding (energy efficiency), and restricts community solar - directly weakening climate and clean energy initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Solar Transmission Climate Change

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 3, 2026

HB 974: Electricity and Gas - Retail Supply (Freedom From Monopolies Act)

HB 974 removes several existing regulatory requirements for electricity and gas suppliers in Maryland. It repeals rules about licensing energy salespersons, residential supplier terms, and reporting obligations, while modifying how electric cooperatives and standard offer service operate. The bill also changes the name and purpose of the "Education and Protection Fund" to better support customer education about energy choices. These changes aim to reduce regulatory barriers for suppliers, potentially increasing competition in the retail energy market for residential customers. The bill directly affects electricity/gas suppliers, energy salespersons, and residential customers seeking alternative energy providers.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRemoves regulatory requirements for energy suppliers, reducing oversight that could impact environmental protections. Deregulation aligns with weakening environmental standards.85% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 701: Wetlands and Waterways Permits - Lighthouse Piers - Permission of Owner of Private Wetlands

SB 701 modifies Maryland law to remove the requirement for pier builders to obtain permission from private wetlands owners under specific conditions. It directly affects owners of lighthouses or structures connected to lighthouses seeking to build piers that are entirely within private wetlands, connected only to the lighthouse, and not linked to the shore. The bill achieves this by adding Section 16-105.1 to the law, which prohibits requiring such permission for these designated piers. However, builders must still secure all necessary approvals from the Board and Department before construction begins. The change takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRemoves requirement for owner permission in private wetlands, weakening protections for sensitive ecosystems and reducing regulatory oversight.85% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 801: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, EmPOWER Energy Efficiency Programs, and Net Energy Metering

SB 801 requires Maryland to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) by January 1, 2027, with conditions allowing rejoining if other states join RGGI or Maryland becomes a net electricity exporter. It eliminates the utility surcharge funding EmPOWER energy efficiency programs, shifting cost recovery away from customer bills. The bill also modifies net energy metering rates, altering how customers with solar panels are compensated for excess electricity fed back to the grid. These changes directly affect the state government, utilities, ratepayers, and residential/commercial solar customers. The policy focuses on restructuring energy cost recovery and emissions program participation without endorsing specific environmental outcomes.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyWithdraws from RGGI, defunds EmPOWER efficiency programs, and reduces solar compensation rates - weakens renewable energy support and energy efficiency initiatives.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentWithdraws from RGGI, defunds EmPOWER energy efficiency programs, and alters solar compensation - directly weakening climate and energy conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Solar Climate Change

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 755: Natural Resources - Striped Bass Recreational Seasons and Fisheries Regulations

SB 755 prohibits the Maryland Department of Natural Resources from establishing a recreational catch-and-release season for striped bass (rockfish). Instead, it mandates annual recreational and charter boat summer/fall seasons (May 16-December 10) with daily limits (1 fish for recreational anglers, 2 for charters) and specific gear rules, plus a trophy season requiring fish to be at least 28 inches long during designated April/May periods. The bill also requires the Department to prepare an economic impact statement for major fisheries regulations before publication. This directly affects recreational anglers, charter boat operators, and commercial fishing stakeholders who rely on striped bass regulations.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits catch-and-release (a conservation measure) for striped bass, mandating higher harvest limits and removing protective regulation, weakening species conservation efforts.85% confidence

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

HB 967: Electric Companies – Environmental Surcharges or Fees – Prohibition on Collection

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProhibits environmental fees during CPI spikes, preventing additional costs for residential customers and providing tax relief during inflationary periods.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits environmental surcharges that fund protections, reducing potential funding for environmental initiatives during inflation spikes.90% confidence

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 15, 2026

HB 1591: State and Private Wetlands - Nonwater-Dependent Project - Definition

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.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExcludes vessels from wetlands permitting requirements, weakening regulatory oversight for wetlands construction under Maryland's wetlands law.85% confidence

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

HB 120: Moratorium on Construction of New Data Centers - Co-Location and Generation Contingency

HB 120 imposes a statewide ban on constructing new data centers and prohibits local governments from approving such projects. It directly affects developers seeking to build new facilities and local planning authorities. The ban automatically ends if the legislature passes new laws requiring all new data centers to be co-located with power generation facilities (like natural gas, nuclear, or small modular reactors) that provide sufficient energy. Existing projects with all required permits before the law takes effect are exempt. The bill is designed as a temporary measure until more comprehensive energy co-location rules are enacted.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill permits natural gas power co-location for data centers, prioritizing industry over clean energy and enabling fossil fuel reliance, which increases emissions and weakens environmental protections.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBan on new data center construction directly restricts tech infrastructure expansion, limiting new technology facilities and development.90% confidence

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