HB 1199 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to study how an economy-wide cap-and-invest program could help the state meet its 2045 net-zero emissions goal. The study, to be done with agencies like the Climate Change Commission and Energy Administration, must evaluate program design elements - including covered sectors, allowance distribution, and equity considerations - and explore revenue uses for climate initiatives. It specifically examines how to minimize burdens on businesses, protect trade-exposed industries, and allocate funds for low-income household energy assistance, clean transportation, and ecosystem resilience. The bill does not implement the program but mandates a detailed analysis based on Maryland's existing climate plan and lessons from jurisdictions like California and Quebec.
HB 1065 establishes a grant program for Maryland manufacturers of cement, concrete, or construction materials that use coal ash waste (like fly ash or bottom ash) as feedstock. It requires the Department of the Environment to award grants to eligible manufacturers meeting specific criteria, including using Maryland-sourced coal by-products, creating jobs in communities affected by coal waste, and demonstrating measurable greenhouse gas reductions compared to conventional materials. The bill also mandates that all state government agencies give procurement preference to bids that incorporate these coal by-products. This directly affects cement/concrete manufacturers, state purchasing decisions, and communities near coal waste generation sites. The policy change focuses on repurposing existing coal waste for construction materials through financial incentives and procurement rules.
HB 1040 mandates that Maryland's Strategic Energy Investment Fund allocate at least $365 million annually from fiscal years 2028 through 2032 specifically to climate change programs. This includes $100 million for incentives to replace gas stoves, resistive electric heating, and electric water heaters with energy-efficient alternatives like induction stoves and heat pumps; $50 million for expanding solar energy deployment through community solar and equity programs; and $25 million for electric vehicle infrastructure and zero-emission vehicle incentives. The bill directly affects Maryland residents (through home appliance rebates) and businesses (via solar and EV programs) by funding concrete climate action. These allocations are mandatory, ensuring dedicated state funding for measurable climate impact reduction over the specified period.
HB 1532 amends Maryland's energy laws to adjust electricity rate structures and efficiency programs. It lowers the qualifying threshold for large commercial/industrial customers to access a specific rate schedule from 100 megawatts to 25 megawatts, directly affecting major energy users like factories and data centers. The bill also changes multiyear rate plan rules to prevent utilities from passing certain costs to customers and requires refunds if actual revenue differs from forecasts. Additionally, it updates energy efficiency program cycles, greenhouse gas target calculations, and definitions for energy resources like "zero-emission credits" used in procurement.
SB 590 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to study the design and implications of an economy-wide cap-and-invest program to help achieve the state's 2045 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal. The study, to be developed with agencies like the Climate Change Commission and Energy Administration, will evaluate key elements including which sectors (like electricity generation) to cover, how to protect low-income households through revenue use (e.g., rebates, weatherization), and how to address equity in overburdened communities. It will also assess program mechanics such as allowance distribution, auction design, and potential use of offset credits, building on Maryland's existing experience with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The study aims to provide a foundation for future policy decisions on climate funding and emissions reductions.
HB 1161, the BPW Climate Transparency Act, requires Maryland state agencies to provide specific climate and sustainability details when submitting certain contracts (like construction, energy performance, and public-private partnerships) to the Board of Public Works for approval. Agencies must explain how these contracts support greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience, sustainable practices, and compliance with green building standards. The Department of General Services will issue guidance to help agencies meet these requirements, and the information must be included on the Board's agenda for review. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.
SB 116 requires Maryland state agencies to include specific climate and sustainability information when submitting certain contracts for approval by the Board of Public Works. It applies to six contract types, including construction, energy performance, and architectural services, and mandates agencies to detail how contracts support greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience, sustainable sourcing, and adherence to green building standards. The bill also requires liaisons from the Governor’s office, Comptroller, and Treasurer to ensure compliance and ensure this information appears on the Board’s agenda. This policy change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects state agencies managing these contracts and the Board’s review process.
SB 59 requires Maryland’s Department of Transportation to conduct impact assessments for major highway expansion projects costing over $100 million, measuring their effects on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled. It mandates that projects include a multimodal transportation program (focusing on transit, bike paths, and pedestrian improvements) to offset emissions, with priority given to overburdened and underserved communities impacted by the project. The bill also requires the Department to evaluate all major capital projects in the Consolidated Transportation Program for climate impacts starting in 2028, aiming for net-zero or negative emissions from these projects. These requirements apply to projects not already funded or reviewed before 2026, aligning transportation planning with state climate goals.
HB 647 requires Maryland's Power Plant Research Program to study whether nuclear energy qualifies as a renewable resource and could help combat climate change. The study must evaluate current nuclear energy use in Maryland, identify environmental benefits, assess barriers to new nuclear projects, identify potential construction sites, and examine adding nuclear energy to the state's renewable energy goals. The program must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by September 30, 2027. This bill directly affects the Power Plant Research Program and informs future energy policy decisions.
HB 79, the Climate Solutions Affordability Act of 2026, modifies Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act to require certain climate measures "to the extent economically practicable." It mandates building owners to annually measure and report emissions data starting in 2025, with goals of a 20% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040 for covered buildings. The bill also requires school districts to transition to zero-emission school buses for new contracts starting in 2025, with limited exceptions, and includes prevailing wage requirements for contractors on utility projects. These provisions directly affect building owners, school districts, and utility contractors, focusing on measurable emissions reductions without mandating unaffordable actions.
