Environment

signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 861: Environment - Stormwater Management for Agritourism

SB 861 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to create regulations and a model ordinance for local stormwater management programs to enforce rules on agricultural land. It directly affects farmers and local governments by mandating that programs consult with soil conservation districts before enforcing stormwater regulations on farms. Key provisions include defining agricultural uses (like on-farm processing) separately from commercial development in the stormwater manual and allowing flexibility in enforcement for agricultural land. The bill updates existing law to clarify how stormwater rules apply to farms, avoiding overly rigid standards that could conflict with farming operations. It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates stormwater regulations for agricultural land with soil conservation input, reducing runoff pollution and protecting water quality per environmental protection focus.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality Tags Agriculture

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 18, 2026

HB 1494: Electricity and Retail Gas Supply - Customer Choice, Consumer Protection, and Green Power (Retail Energy Modernization and Consumer Choice Act)

HB 1494 modernizes Maryland's residential electricity and gas markets by allowing suppliers to offer time-of-use rates for terms longer than 12 months and combining electricity with green energy certificates in multi-year plans. It permits rates that exceed standard utility rates during peak times and exempts certain green power products from typical marketing and pricing rules. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to establish new rules for consolidated billing, cybersecurity, and fair interconnection of energy services. These changes directly affect residential customers choosing electricity/gas plans and suppliers offering those services, aiming to expand consumer options while adding new regulatory safeguards.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEnables green power products in multi-year plans, exempts them from marketing rules, and promotes renewable energy adoption through green energy certificates.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes green energy certificates and exempts green power products from certain rules, advancing clean energy adoption per its title and summary.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires new cybersecurity rules for energy providers, strengthening digital security measures per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Transmission Utility Regulation Cybersecurity

Track

died · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 8, 2026

HB 1022: PFAS Chemicals - Product Phase Outs and Registration Requirements

HB 1022 prohibits the sale of specific products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals (such as cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, feminine hygiene items, and fabric treatments) in Maryland starting on set dates, phasing them out over time. It requires manufacturers to register products with PFAS and establishes testing to ensure compliance. The bill also creates the Maryland PFAS Chemicals Protection and Remediation Fund, funded by penalties and interest earnings, to support environmental cleanup projects. This law directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and consumers using these products within Maryland.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans PFAS chemicals in products to reduce environmental pollution; establishes fund for remediation, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 1533: Public Health - Cosmetic Products - Enforcement and Penalties for Prohibited Ingredients (Crown and Care Act - Protecting Communities from Harmful Hair Chemicals)

HB 1533 (the Crown and Care Act) bans 12 specific harmful ingredients - including certain phthalates, formaldehyde, mercury, and PFAS chemicals - from cosmetic products sold in Maryland. It directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, retailers, and salons by prohibiting the sale or distribution of products containing these ingredients, with limited exceptions for unavoidable trace amounts from manufacturing processes. The bill authorizes the Maryland Department of Health to investigate complaints, inspect businesses, and enforce penalties, while allowing consumers harmed by violations to seek civil damages and attorney fees. This law aims to protect public health by reducing exposure to chemicals linked to health risks like skin irritation and potential long-term harm.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans PFAS and other environmental pollutants (known to contaminate water/soil) from cosmetics, reducing chemical pollution in ecosystems per bill's prohibition of harmful ingredients.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBans harmful cosmetic chemicals (phthalates, formaldehyde, etc.) to prevent health risks, directly protecting public health through regulatory enforcement by MD Dept of Health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Public Health

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

HB 1314: Natural Resources - Chesapeake Bay Trust - Urban Trees Program

HB 1314 makes permanent an annual $10 million state funding requirement for Maryland's Urban Trees Program, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The program plants native trees in underserved areas - defined as historically redlined neighborhoods or communities with high unemployment, poverty, or housing challenges - to improve environmental health. Qualified organizations (like nonprofits, schools, or local governments) can apply for grants to implement tree-planting projects, with priority given to initiatives led by or engaging residents in those target areas. The bill also requires the Trust to report annually on funded projects, including locations and tree counts, to state environmental agencies. This ensures consistent, community-focused tree planting as a permanent part of state environmental policy.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates permanent $10M annual state funding for urban tree-planting program, directly advancing fiscal allocation for environmental initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds permanent $10M annual program planting native trees in underserved areas to improve environmental health through conservation and pollution control.95% confidence

Track

passed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 10, 2026

HB 817: Carbon Dioxide Capture, Removal, and Sequestration Projects - Regulations and Standards for Biochar and Wood Vault Technologies

HB 817 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to create permitting regulations for certified carbon removal technologies and practices by January 1, 2028. It mandates all state agencies to use existing funding to support carbon removal projects using technologies certified by internationally recognized third parties. The bill directly affects state agencies (which must allocate funds) and carbon removal technology providers (which must meet certification standards to qualify for permits). It aims to streamline regulatory processes by replacing outdated solid waste rules with new, technology-specific requirements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates state funding for certified carbon removal technologies, advancing clean energy infrastructure and emissions reduction goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates state agencies to fund certified carbon removal projects, directly advancing climate mitigation by reducing atmospheric CO2 through regulated technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

Track

signed · Maryland · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 558: Chesapeake Bay - Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund - Established

SB 558 establishes Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program within the Department of Natural Resources. The program provides $2 million annually (starting fiscal year 2028) from the Transportation Trust Fund to fund oyster propagation and replenishment projects. These projects specifically offset damage to the state's oyster population caused by transportation activities at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, including dredging, pier/bridge construction, and shipping channel maintenance. The funding must be included in the governor's annual budget bill. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds oyster propagation/replenishment to offset environmental damage from transportation activities, directly protecting Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and natural resources.92% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill uses Transportation Trust Fund to offset environmental damage from transportation activities (port operations), promoting sustainable transportation by addressing consequences of transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Ports

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 911: Environment - Weather Engineering - Prohibition

SB 911 prohibits anyone in Maryland from injecting, releasing, or dispersing chemicals, substances, or devices into the atmosphere to alter weather, climate, temperature, or sunlight intensity. It requires the Department of the Environment to create a public reporting system for suspected weather engineering activities and establish a process for evaluating and investigating reports in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management. Violations carry fines up to $100,000 for most offenders or up to $5,000 and 5 years in prison for aircraft operators, with all fines directed to the Bay Restoration Fund. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits weather engineering activities that could alter climate/environment, preventing potential harm. Establishes reporting system to protect public health and environmental integrity from unregulated atmospheric interventions.95% confidence

Track

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

HB 1304: Natural Resources - Fishing Without a License - Enforcement

HB 1304 requires the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to suspend commercial or recreational fishing rights for individuals who failed to renew a valid license from the previous year. First offenses result in a one-month suspension, second offenses in six months, and third or subsequent offenses in one year. During suspension, individuals may apply for a new license, but it will count toward the remaining suspension period. The bill also mandates that the Department provide written or verbal notice of the violation and penalties to those charged.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEnforces fishing license compliance to prevent overfishing and protect fish populations, aligning with natural resource conservation.90% confidence

Track

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

HB 1253: Gas Companies - Infrastructure Investments - Cost Recovery and Customer Notification (Break STRIDE Act)

HB 1253 (Break STRIDE Act) changes how investor-owned gas companies recover costs for infrastructure projects. It repeals current rules allowing companies to add infrastructure costs to customer bills via surcharges and instead requires them to prove projects reduce leaks, improve safety, and are cost-effective before recovering costs. The bill also mandates 6 months' advance written notice to customers affected by construction. These changes apply only to investor-owned gas companies (not cooperatives) and take effect after a specified date.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires gas companies to prove infrastructure projects reduce leaks, directly lowering methane emissions and strengthening environmental protections.90% confidence

Track