Environment (Forestry)

HB 66 requires the Governor to withdraw Maryland from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state program targeting carbon emissions from power plants. The bill amends Maryland law to remove the requirement for state participation in RGGI and redirects funds previously allocated to RGGI programs, such as the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. It specifically repeals provisions that mandated joining RGGI, required emissions reporting under the initiative, and linked urban forestry programs to RGGI offset opportunities. The bill directly affects state agencies managing energy policy and environmental programs by eliminating RGGI obligations and redirecting related financial resources.