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Climate Change and the 2026 Session
Each year, the Climate Change team selects several bills as “priority.” The bills are evaluated based on their climate effectiveness and climate justice impacts. In order to collect information about the bills, UULM-MD participates in three different coalitions. They are the Climate Justice Wing of the Maryland Legislative Coalition, the Citizens Concerned for the Environment (CCE), and the Transform Maryland Transportation coalition. These three coalitions emphasize different perspectives on climate change. They are climate justice, broader climate and environmental issues, and public transportation advocacy, respectively.
In addition, several bills have been selected that we are “supporting” and may be elevated in the event that a priority bill fails to move forward.
For priority bills, the UULM-MD will submit written testimony, issue action alerts and join rallies in Annapolis. For the supported bills, we will follow their progress, and sign-on to other Advocacy Organizations' testimony.
This year, we will advocate for three climate bills. They are:
The CHERISH Our Communities Act (Cumulative Harms to Environmental Restoration for Improving our Shared Health): addresses a critical gap in Maryland's environmental protection system, particularly in disadvantaged and overburdened communities.
SB 59 / HB 437 - The Climate and Transportation Alignment Act: would require the Maryland Department to align transportation projects with state climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and Vehicle Miles Traveled.
SB 342 - HB 311 - The Bottle Bill (aka Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program): would implement a deposit-return system for beverage containers (plastic, glass, metal) with 10-15 cent deposits, aiming to drastically cut litter and boost recycling.
Supported Legislation
Over the next 90 days, we will watch multiple bills are all related to Environmental Justice.
We may ask you to contact lawmakers in support of any of these bills.
DATA Center Reform:
SB 270/HB 674- Electricity - Costs and Benefits Analysis - Requiring the Public Service Commission to conduct an analysis of the full costs and benefits of sources of electricity generation in the State.
Renewable Energy:
HB 345/ SB 341- Affordable Solar Act -Stabilizes the Solar Energy Market by changing way that Solar Energy Renewable Credits (SREC) Authorizing the purchase, installation, and use of portable solar energy generating system (balcony solar). Altering the renewable energy portfolio standard; requiring that certain alternative compliance fees be paid into an escrow account rather than into the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund.
Environment:
HB 331/SB 342- Beverage Container Recycling Refund- Establishing the Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program to increase the reuse and recycling of beverage containers and reduce the litter, pollution, and costs associated with beverage containers.
Electrical Grid Efficacy:
HB 40/SB 201- Transmission Line Technologies- Implement hardware and software solutions—including Dynamic Line Rating, power-flow controllers, and topology optimization—to increase the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of existing transmission lines.
Utilities Oversight:
HB 540- Public Service Company Transparency Act - Capping how much utilities can charge ratepayers for executive pay and limiting bonuses
Governor Wes Moore Initiatives:
SB 386/HB 897- Lower Bills and Local Power Act- Requires that larger electric companies join the regional transmission organizations- PJM and/or ATO. Requires additional information on Public Convenience and Necessity Permit applications.
SB 389/HB 894- Transit-Oriented Development - Addresses zoning and financing barriers to create more jobs and housing near transit. The legislation would eliminate minimum parking requirements for certain transit-oriented developments, promote mixed-use development around key stations, and give the State more authority over the development of land adjacent to transit stations.
In addition, there are several energy-related bills being discussed aimed at:
1) Stabilizing the rising cost of energy,
2) Encouraging the growth of renewable energy, and
3) Incorporating advanced technologies to enhance the electric grid.
We will consider supporting these bills as the details emerge.
For more information, please contact Climate Change Issue Lead Phil Webster at ClimateChange@uulmmd.org.
Subject | Bill Number | XFile Bill Number | Title | Sponsor | Status | Current Location | Priority | Position | Action | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Affordable Solar Act | HB0345 | SB0341 | Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act) | Delegate Charkoudian | Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Watch | Authorizing the purchase, installation, and use of a certain portable solar energy generating system for certain purposes; altering the renewable energy portfolio standard; requiring that certain alternative compliance fees be paid into a certain escrow account rather than into the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund; requiring the Public Service Commission to require electric companies to procure a certain number of SRECs and SREC-IIs; requiring the Commission to issue certain solicitations; etc. | ||
Affordable Solar Act | SB0341 | HB0345 | Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act) | Senator Brooks | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Watch | Authorizing the purchase, installation, and use of a certain portable solar energy generating system for certain purposes; altering the renewable energy portfolio standard; requiring that certain alternative compliance fees be paid into a certain escrow account rather than into the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund; requiring the Public Service Commission to require electric companies to procure a certain number of SRECs and SREC-IIs; requiring the Commission to issue certain solicitations; etc. | ||
Climate Crimes Accountability Act | HB0572 | SB0432 | Attorney General Actions and Climate Crimes Accountability Fund (Climate Crimes Accountability Act) | Delegate Ruth | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. | Judiciary | Watch | Authorizing the Attorney General to investigate, commence, and prosecute or defend any suit or action that holds certain entities accountable for tortious or otherwise unlawful conduct that has contributed to climate change; authorizing the Attorney General to hire outside counsel to assist with an action under the Act if the Attorney General makes a certain determination; establishing the Climate Crimes Accountability Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; etc. | ||
Climate Crimes Accountability Act | SB0432 | HB0572 | Attorney General Actions and Climate Crimes Accountability Fund (Climate Crimes Accountability Act) | Senator Love | Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. (Judicial Proceedings) | Judicial Proceedings | Watch | Authorizing the Attorney General to investigate, commence, and prosecute or defend any suit or action that holds certain entities accountable for tortious or otherwise unlawful conduct that has contributed to climate change; authorizing the Attorney General to hire outside counsel to assist with an action under the Act if the Attorney General makes a certain determination; establishing the Climate Crimes Accountability Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund; etc. | ||
Co-Op and Condo Energy Refund Equity Act | HB0702 | SB0434 | Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund - Uses - Cooperative Housing Corporations and Condominiums (Co-Op and Condo Energy Refund Equity Act) | Delegate Korman | Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Watch | Altering the authorized uses of certain compliance fee revenue paid into the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund; and requiring certain funds in the Fund be used as refunds or credits to residential customers in fiscal year 2027. | ||
Co-Op and Condo Energy Refund Equity Act | SB0434 | HB0702 | Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund - Uses - Cooperative Housing Corporations and Condominiums (Co-Op and Condo Energy Refund Equity Act) | Senator Love | Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. | Budget and Taxation | Watch | Altering the authorized uses of certain compliance fee revenue paid into the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund; and requiring certain funds in the Fund be used as refunds or credits to residential customers for electric service in fiscal year 2027. | ||
Electricity - Costs and Benefits Analysis | HB0674 | SB0270 | Public Service Commission - Full Costs and Benefits Analysis of Sources of Electricity Generation | Delegate Morgan, T. | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Watch | Requiring the Public Service Commission to conduct an analysis of the full costs and benefits of sources of electricity generation in the State; and requiring the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Environment and Transportation Committee by December 1, 2027. | ||
Electricity - Costs and Benefits Analysis | SB0270 | HB0674 | Public Service Commission - Full Costs and Benefits Analysis of Sources of Electricity Generation | Senator Carozza | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Watch | Requiring the Public Service Commission to conduct an analysis of the full costs and benefits of sources of electricity generation in the State; and requiring the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Environment and Transportation Committee by December 1, 2027. | ||
Lower Bills and Local Power Act | SB0386 | HB0897 | Electricity Transmission and Distribution, Energy Storage, and Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund (Lower Bills and Local Power Act of 2026) | President | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Watch | Requiring an electric company, located in the State, that owns or operates a transmission line that is designed to carry a voltage in excess of 69,000 volts to participate as a member in a regional transmission organization under certain circumstances; requiring a person applying for a certain certificate of public convenience and necessity to include certain information with the application; requiring certain transmission utilities to submit a certain advanced transmission technology implementation report; etc. | ||
Lower Bills and Local Power Act | HB0897 | SB0386 | Electricity Transmission and Distribution, Energy Storage, and Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund (Lower Bills and Local Power Act of 2026) | Speaker | First Reading Environment and Transportation | Environment and Transportation | Watch | Requiring an electric company, located in the State, that owns or operates a transmission line that is designed to carry a voltage in excess of 69,000 volts to participate as a member in a regional transmission organization under certain circumstances; requiring a person applying for a certain certificate of public convenience and necessity to include certain information with the application; requiring certain transmission utilities to submit a certain advanced transmission technology implementation report; etc. | ||
Public Service Company Transparency Act | HB0540 | Investor-Owned Electric, Gas, and Gas and Electric Companies - Utility Rate Changes (Public Service Company Transparency Act) | Delegate Lehman | Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Watch | Prohibiting certain electric, gas, and gas and electric companies from initiating a proceeding that may lead to a rate change unless the company provides customers with a certain notice; requiring certain electric, gas, and gas and electric companies to include a certain statement in each customer bill and automatic payment e-mail and distribute a certain annual rate report in a certain manner; requiring the Public Service Commission, in consultation with the Office of People's Counsel, to develop a certain report; etc. | |||
Study on Land-Based Wind Energy | HB0629 | SB0429 | Maryland Energy Administration - Study on Land-Based Wind Energy | Delegate Johnson, A. | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Watch | Requiring the Maryland Energy Administration to conduct a study on the potential for land-based wind energy generation in the State and the siting of land-based wind energy generating systems in the State; authorizing the Administration to use available funds in the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to conduct the study; and requiring by December 1, 2026, the Administration to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and certain committees of the General Assembly. | ||
Study on Land-Based Wind Energy | SB0429 | HB0629 | Maryland Energy Administration - Study on Land-Based Wind Energy | Senator Brooks | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Watch | Requiring the Maryland Energy Administration to conduct a study on the potential for land-based wind energy generation in the State and the siting of land-based wind energy generating systems in the State; authorizing the Administration to use available funds in the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to conduct the study; and requiring by December 1, 2026, the Administration to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and certain committees of the General Assembly. | ||
Transit-Oriented Development | HB0894 | SB0389 | Land Use - Transit-Oriented Development - Alterations (Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act) | Speaker | First Reading Economic Matters and Environment and Transportation | Economic Matters | Watch | Providing for the automatic designation of certain transit-oriented developments as enterprise zones; requiring the Maryland Development Corporation to prioritize certain redevelopment projects when making loans under the Strategic Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program; altering the authority of local legislative bodies to regulate land use planning on land located near certain transit stations; delaying the collection of certain development excise taxes and development impact fees for certain residential real estate projects; etc. | ||
Transit-Oriented Development | SB0389 | HB0894 | Land Use - Transit-Oriented Development - Alterations (Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act) | President | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. (Finance) | Finance | Watch | Providing for the automatic designation of certain transit-oriented developments as enterprise zones; requiring the Maryland Development Corporation to prioritize certain redevelopment projects when making loans under the Strategic Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program; altering the authority of local legislative bodies to regulate land use planning on land located near certain transit stations; delaying the collection of certain development excise taxes and development impact fees for certain residential real estate projects; etc. | ||
Transmission Line Technologies | SB0201 | HB0040 | Public Utilities - Transmission Lines - Advanced Transmission Technologies | Senator Brooks | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Watch | Altering the definition of 'qualified generator lead line' for provisions of law regarding certificates of public convenience and necessity; requiring an applicant for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of an overhead transmission line to include certain information in its application; requiring the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before taking action on a certain application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity; etc. | ||
Transmission Line Technologies | HB0040 | SB0201 | Public Utilities - Transmission Lines - Advanced Transmission Technologies | Delegate Charkoudian | Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Watch | Altering the definition of 'qualified generator lead line' for provisions of law regarding certificates of public convenience and necessity; requiring an applicant for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of an overhead transmission line to include certain information in its application; requiring the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before taking action on a certain application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity; etc. | ||
Beverage Container Recycling Refund | SB0342 | HB0331 | Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program | Senator Brooks | Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Priority | Support | Contact your Senator on Committee | Establishing the Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program to increase the reuse and recycling of beverage containers and reduce the litter, pollution, and costs associated with beverage containers; prohibiting a producer from selling, offering for sale, or distributing in or importing into the State a redeemable beverage container unless the producer is registered with the Department of the Environment, pays a certain fee, and is part of a beverage container stewardship organization; etc. |
Beverage Container Recycling Refund | HB0331 | SB0342 | Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program | Delegate Terrasa | Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation) and Hearing canceled (Economic Matters) | Environment and Transportation | Priority | Support | Contact your Delegate on Committee | Establishing the Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program to increase the reuse and recycling of beverage containers and reduce the litter, pollution, and costs associated with beverage containers; prohibiting a producer from selling, offering for sale, or distributing in or importing into the State a redeemable beverage container unless the producer is registered with the Department of the Environment, pays a certain fee, and is part of a beverage container stewardship organization; etc. |
Transportation and Climate Alignment | HB0437 | SB0059 | Transportation - Major Highway Capacity Expansion Projects and Impact Assessments (Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026) | Delegate Edelson | Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations) | Appropriations | Priority | Support | Contact your Delegate on Committee | Requiring the Department of Transportation, as part of the planning and implementation of certain major highway expansion projects, to perform an impact assessment of the project and develop and implement a corresponding multimodal transportation program; requiring the Department, beginning with a certain Consolidated Transportation Program, to evaluate certain major capital projects for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled; etc. |
Transportation and Climate Alignment | SB0059 | HB0437 | Transportation - Major Highway Capacity Expansion Projects and Impact Assessments (Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026) | Senator Hettleman | Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. | Budget and Taxation | Priority | Support | Contact your Senator on Committee | Requiring the Department of Transportation, as part of the planning and implementation of certain major highway expansion projects, to perform an impact assessment of the project and develop and implement a corresponding multimodal transportation program; requiring the Department, beginning with a certain Consolidated Transportation Program, to evaluate certain major capital projects for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled; etc. |
Agricultural Use Assessment - Community Solar | HB0112 | Property Tax - Agricultural Use Assessment - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems | Delegate Crosby | Hearing canceled | Ways and Means | Altering the date from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2030, by which certain community solar energy generating systems must be approved by the Public Service Commission in order for land that is used by the community solar energy generating systems to qualify for the agricultural use assessment. | ||||
Agricultural Use Assessment - Community Solar | SB0344 | HB0734 | Property Tax - Agricultural Use Assessment - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems | Senator King | Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m. | Budget and Taxation | Altering the date from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2030, by which certain community solar energy generating systems must be approved by the Public Service Commission in order for land that is used by the community solar energy generating systems to qualify for the agricultural use assessment. | |||
Assessment on Community Solar | HB0734 | SB0344 | Property Tax - Agricultural Use Assessment - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems | Delegate Roberson | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. | Ways and Means | Altering the date from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2030, by which certain community solar energy generating systems must be approved by the Public Service Commission in order for land that is used by the community solar energy generating systems to qualify for the agricultural use assessment. | |||
Building Energy Performance Standards | SB0479 | Environment - Building Energy Performance Standards and Energy Use Intensity Targets - Exemptions | Senator McKay | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Exempting a covered building that received a use and occupancy permit before June 1, 2022, from compliance with certain building energy performance standards and energy use intensity targets until it becomes necessary to replace lighting systems, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, or other major components of the covered building due to failure of those components, or as a result of the end of life of those components. | ||||
Building Energy Performance Standards-Repeal | HB0988 | Environment - Building Energy Performance Standards - Repeal | Delegate Hartman | First Reading Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters | Environment and Transportation | Oppose | Repealing certain provisions of law establishing and governing building energy performance standards. | |||
Building and Transportation Electrification | SB0622 | Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund - Required Uses - Building Electrification and Transportation Electrification | Senator Watson | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Requiring the use of the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund for providing loans and grants for building electrification and transportation electrification. | ||||
Buildings-Energy Conservation | HB0870 | Maryland Building Performance Standards - Energy Conservation Requirements (Large Buildings for Tomorrow Act) | Delegate Korman | Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Requiring the Maryland Department of Labor to adopt, by October 1, 2028, and as part of the Maryland Building Performance Standards, energy conservation requirements for the new construction of buildings that are subject to the Building Energy Performance Standards adopted by the Maryland Department of the Environment. | ||||
Campaign Contributions by Utilities | HB0509 | Campaign Finance - Contributions by Gas and Electric Utility Companies - Prohibition | Delegate Vogel | Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m. | Government, Labor, and Elections | Support | Prohibiting gas and electric utility companies doing business in the State from making campaign contributions to the campaign finance entity of a candidate for a nonfederal public office in the State or any other campaign finance entity organized in support of a candidate for a nonfederal public office in the State. | |||
Carbon Removal Technology | SB0625 | HB0817 | Carbon Removal Technology and Practices - Regulations and Use of Funding | Senator Feldman | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Requiring the Department of the Environment, by January 1, 2028, to adopt regulations governing the permitting of certain carbon removal technology and practices; and requiring each State agency to use available funding sources to fund carbon removal projects that utilize certain carbon removal technology and practices. | |||
Carbon Removal Technology | HB0817 | SB0625 | Carbon Removal Technology and Practices - Regulations and Use of Funding | Delegate Foley | Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Requiring the Department of the Environment to adopt regulations governing the permitting of certain carbon removal technology and practices; and requiring each State agency to use available funding sources to fund carbon removal projects that utilize certain carbon removal technology and practices. | |||
Climate Solutions Affordability | HB0079 | Climate Solutions Affordability Act of 2026 | Delegate Chisholm | Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Specifying that certain requirements under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 are to be carried out to the extent economically practicable, including requirements concerning achieving certain direct greenhouse gas emissions reductions from certain buildings, measuring and reporting direct emissions data to the Department of the Environment, achieving certain greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, and achieving zero-emission vehicle goals relating to the State vehicle fleet and local school buses; etc. | ||||
Climate and Sustainability Contract Review | SB0116 | Board of Public Works - Contract Review - Climate and Sustainability Information | Senator Hettleman | Hearing canceled | Budget and Taxation | Requiring a State agency to provide certain climate and sustainability information on submission of a contract award recommendation to the Board of Public Works for architectural and engineering service, construction, energy performance, general miscellaneous, and landlord lease and tenant lease contracts; requiring liaisons to the Board to ensure compliance; and requiring the climate and sustainability information to be placed on the Board agenda. | ||||
Community Solar - Prohibited Locations | SB0265 | Community Solar Energy Generating Systems - Prohibited Locations - Adjacent Parcels | Senator Brooks | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Repealing certain prohibitions on the location of a community solar energy generating system based on the combined installed capacity of all community solar energy generating systems on adjacent parcels of land. | ||||
Condo-HOA - EV Charging Equipment | HB0405 | Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Governing Documents - Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment | Delegate Terrasa | Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m. | Economic Matters | Prohibiting provisions of the governing documents of a condominium or homeowners association from unreasonably restricting the governing body from installing or authorizing the installation of electric vehicle recharging equipment; establishing that the installation or authorization of electric vehicle recharging equipment by a governing body is subject to the ordinary budgeting processes of the condominium or homeowners association; applying the Act retroactively; etc. | ||||
Electric Companies – Environmental Surcharges | HB0967 | Electric Companies - Environmental Surcharges or Fees - Prohibition on Collection | Delegate Buckel | First Reading Environment and Transportation | Environment and Transportation | Prohibiting an electric company from collecting certain environmental surcharges or fees under certain circumstances; and requiring the Public Service Commission, by October 1, 2027, and each October 1 thereafter, to make a certain calculation each year related to the change in residential electric bills relative to inflation. | ||||
Electric Companies-Outages and Rate Increases | HB0642 | Electric Companies - Service Outages and Rate Increases - Report on Customer Impact | Delegate Long, J. | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Requiring each electric company to report to the Public Service Commission, on or before April 1 each year, geographic and demographic data on all customers impacted by certain service outages and rate increases within the immediately preceding year. | ||||
Electric Utility Restructuring Study | HB0054 | Task Force to Study Restructuring Maryland's Electric Utility Industry | Delegate Allen | Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Establishing the Task Force to Study Restructuring Maryland's Electric Utility Industry to study and make recommendations on restructuring the State's electric utility industry; and requiring the Task Force to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before November 1, 2027. | ||||
Electricity and Gas - Retail Supply | HB0974 | Electricity and Gas - Retail Supply (Freedom From Monopolies Act) | Delegate Chisholm | First Reading Environment and Transportation | Environment and Transportation | Repealing the authorization of the Public Service Commission to license certain energy salespersons; altering the amount of a certain assessment charged to a certain public service company; changing the name of the Education and Protection Fund to the Retail Choice Customer Education and Protection Fund; modifying the purpose and uses of the Fund; altering the scope of a certain training and educational program developed by the Commission; etc. | ||||
Emission& Ambient Air Quality Standards | HB0517 | Emission Standards, Ambient Air Quality Standards, and Solid Waste Management - Local Authority | Delegate Terrasa | Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Altering provisions of law relating to the authority of a political subdivision to adopt ordinances, rules, or regulations that set emission standards or ambient air quality standards under certain conditions; specifying that the requirement for the Department of the Environment to approve a county water and sewerage plan does not limit certain authority of the county; requiring the Department to publish certain information on its website by October 1, 2026; etc. | ||||
Federal Policy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Reporting | HB0663 | Department of the Environment - Federal Policy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Reporting | Delegate Rosenberg | Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Requiring, beginning on or before July 1, 2026, and every 6 months thereafter, the Department of the Environment to report to the General Assembly on any changes in federal policy on greenhouse gas emissions that have been deemed legally valid by a final decision of a federal court and, if there has been a change in federal policy, on the steps the State is taking to respond to that change. | ||||
GREEN Loan Program | SB0023 | HB0695 | Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment | Senator Kagan | Hearing 1/21 at 10:00 a.m. | Budget and Taxation | Establishing the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits Loan Program in the Maryland Clean Energy Center to provide financial assistance in the form of no-interest loans to nonprofit organizations for the planning, purchase, and installation of qualifying energy systems and for actions that improve energy efficiency; establishing the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits Loan Fund; authorizing the Governor to include $5,000,000 in the fiscal year 2028 budget for the Fund; etc. | |||
GREEN Loan Program | HB0695 | SB0023 | Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment | Delegate Johnson, A. | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation) | Environment and Transportation | Establishing the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits Loan Program in the Maryland Clean Energy Center to provide financial assistance in the form of no-interest loans to nonprofit organizations for the planning, purchase, and installation of qualifying energy systems and for actions that improve energy efficiency; establishing the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits Loan Fund; authorizing the Governor to include $5,000,000 in the fiscal year 2028 budget for the Fund; etc. | |||
Home Energy Programs-Redetermination Process | HB0648 | Office of Home Energy Programs - Uniform Redetermination Process - Age | Chair, Environment and Transportation Committee | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Reducing the age at which certain eligible energy customers qualify for a certain redetermination process for enrollment in energy assistance programs from 65 to 60. | ||||
Off-Grid Generators | SB0026 | Public Utilities - Off-Grid Electricity Providers - Exemption | Senator McKay | Hearing canceled | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Exempting certain off-grid electricity providers from certain provisions of law; providing that a certain off-grid electricity provider is subject to certain laws concerning certificates of public convenience and necessity and certain other required approvals for the construction of a generating facility; providing that a person may not be considered to be an off-grid electricity provider under certain circumstances; and applying the Act to off-grid electricity providers that begin operations after October 1, 2026. | ||||
PFAS Chemicals – Product Phase Outs | SB0686 | PFAS Chemicals - Product Phase Outs and Registration Requirements | Senator Love | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Prohibiting manufacturers from selling, offering for sale, distributing, or distributing for sale in the State, certain products containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals on or after certain dates; establishing registration requirements for certain products that contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals; providing for the testing of certain products to determine compliance with the Act; etc. | ||||
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - Withdrawal | SB0373 | HB0066 | Environment - Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - Withdrawal (Restoring Energy Freedom Act) | Senator Hershey | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Oppose | Requiring the Governor to withdraw the State from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. | ||
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Alterations | SB0706 | Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Alterations | Senator Hershey | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Decreasing the renewable energy portfolio standard for Tier 1 renewable sources for 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. | ||||
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard-Nuclear | HB0970 | Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Nuclear Energy and Renaming | Delegate Morgan, T. | First Reading Environment and Transportation | Environment and Transportation | Renaming the 'renewable energy portfolio standard' to be the 'clean energy portfolio standard'; renaming 'renewable energy credits' to be 'clean energy credits'; adding energy generated from certain nuclear energy generating stations as a Tier 2 renewable source eligible for inclusion in the clean energy portfolio standard; and applying the Act retroactively. | ||||
Restoring Energy Freedom Act | HB0066 | SB0373 | Environment - Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - Withdrawal (Restoring Energy Freedom Act) | Delegate Chisholm | Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Requiring the Governor to withdraw the State from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. | |||
Restrictions on Consumer Goods-Energy Source | HB0673 | Consumer Goods - Restrictions Based on Energy Source - Prohibition (Energy Equality Act of 2026) | Delegate Arikan | Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Prohibiting a local government or unit of State government from restricting the sale, purchase, or use of a certain consumer good solely on the basis of the energy source used to power the consumer good; repealing provisions of law requiring the Department of the Environment to establish and maintain a certain low emissions vehicle program; repealing provisions of law requiring the Department to establish requirements for the sale of new zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles; and applying the Act retroactively. | ||||
Small Solar Incentive Program | HB0990 | SB0669 | Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program - Eligibility and Generating Capacity | Delegate Behler | First Reading Environment and Transportation | Environment and Transportation | Extending the deadline by which a solar energy generating system must be placed in service to be eligible for certification under the Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031; and increasing the total amount of in-State generating capacity for certain solar energy generating systems from 270 megawatts to 540 megawatts. | |||
Small Solar Incentive Program | SB0669 | HB0990 | Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program - Eligibility and Generating Capacity | Senator Harris | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Extending the deadline by which a solar energy generating system must be placed in service to be eligible for certification under the Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031; and increasing the total amount of in-State generating capacity for certain solar energy generating systems from 270 megawatts to 540 megawatts. | |||
Solar Energy Generating Stations - Siting | SB0683 | Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Stations - Siting (Solar Siting and Preservation Credit Act of 2026) | Senator Gallion | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Authorizing a county to credit certain solar energy generating stations constructed on certain parcels toward the acreage limitation for solar energy generating systems constructed in priority preservation areas. | ||||
Solar Energy-Priority Preservation Areas | HB0460 | Solar Energy - Construction of Generating Stations in Priority Preservation Areas and Study | Delegate Beauchamp | Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Reducing from 5% to 2% the amount of priority preservation area acreage that may be used for the construction of certain solar energy generating stations; and requiring the Maryland Department of the Environment to study the environmental impact of the disposal of solar photovoltaic systems and report its findings to the General Assembly by September 30, 2027. | ||||
Studies of Electric Company Contracts | SB0092 | HB0143 | Electric Company Contracts, Capacity Market Models, and Regional Transmission Organizations - Studies | Senator Hettleman | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Requiring the Public Service Commission and the Maryland Energy Administration jointly, in consultation with neighboring states, to study the benefits and costs of, and make recommendations on, potential options for certain actions with regard to withdrawing from the PJM Interconnection, LLC capacity market model, developing a certain multistate compact, withdrawing from PJM Interconnection, LLC, and establishing or joining an alternative regional transmission organization; etc. | |||
Studies of Electric Company Contracts | HB0143 | SB0092 | Electric Company Contracts, Capacity Market Models, and Regional Transmission Organizations - Studies | Delegate Charkoudian | Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Requiring the Public Service Commission and the Maryland Energy Administration jointly, in consultation with neighboring states, to study the benefits and costs of, and make recommendations on, potential options for certain actions with regard to withdrawing from the PJM Interconnection, LLC capacity market model, developing a certain multistate compact, withdrawing from PJM Interconnection, LLC, and establishing or joining an alternative regional transmission organization; etc. | |||
Study on Economy-Wide Cap-and-Invest Program | SB0590 | Study on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Economy-Wide Cap-and-Invest Program (Maryland Climate Crisis Equity Act) | Senator Kramer | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Requiring the Department of the Environment, in collaboration with the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, the Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Energy Administration, and in coordination with certain entities and persons, to complete a study and develop a report evaluating the potential design and implications of implementing an economy-wide cap-and-invest program that will help the State achieve certain emissions reductions and provide a sustainable funding source for certain initiatives. | ||||
Study on Nuclear Energy | HB0647 | Power Plant Research Program - Study on Nuclear Energy | Delegate Ivey | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Requiring the Power Plant Research Program to study and make recommendations on nuclear energy and its role as a renewable energy resource that can effectively combat climate change in the State; and requiring, by September 30, 2027, the Program to report its official findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly. | ||||
Transportation Investment Priorities | SB0062 | HB0230 | Transportation - Consolidated Transportation Program - Prioritization (Transportation Investment Priorities Act of 2026) | Chair, Budget and Taxation Committee | Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. | Budget and Taxation | Altering the required elements of the Consolidated Transportation Program; requiring the Department of Transportation to develop a certain project-based scoring system, identify certain funds available for certain purposes, and solicit requests from certain entities for certain projects; requiring the Department to evaluate and score certain major surface transportation projects; altering the makeup, chair, frequency of meetings, and responsibilities of the Maryland Transportation Commission; etc. | |||
Transportation Investment Priorities | HB0230 | SB0062 | Transportation - Consolidated Transportation Program - Prioritization (Transportation Investment Priorities Act of 2026) | Chair, Appropriations Committee | Hearing canceled (Appropriations) | Appropriations | Altering the required elements of the Consolidated Transportation Program; requiring the Department of Transportation to develop a certain project-based scoring system, identify certain funds available for certain purposes, and solicit requests from certain entities for certain projects; requiring the Department to evaluate and score certain major surface transportation projects; altering the makeup, chair, frequency of meetings, and responsibilities of the Maryland Transportation Commission; etc. | |||
Transportation Trust Fund - Reform | HB0827 | Repair the Transportation Trust Fund Act | Delegate Morgan, M. | Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m. (Ways and Means) | Ways and Means | Repealing a requirement that certain motor fuel tax rates be adjusted in future years based on growth in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers; prohibiting the State or a local jurisdiction from imposing or levying a vehicle-miles-traveled tax or certain other similar fees, tolls, or taxes; requiring that the Maryland Transit Administration achieve a certain farebox recovery requirement for certain transit services; etc. | ||||
Utility Cost Containment Plans | SB0598 | HB0723 | Electric Companies - Cost Containment Plans - Requirement (Securing Affordable, Valuable Investments in Next Generation Grid Solutions) (SAVINGS Act) | Senator Hester | First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Requiring electric companies to submit to the Public Service Commission cost containment plans for electric distribution and transmission system planning on or before January 1, 2027, and every 3 years thereafter; requiring the plans to combine to reduce peak electric system loads in a certain manner; and requiring electric companies to submit certain progress reports on the implementation of the plan. | |||
Utility Cost Containment Plans | HB0723 | SB0598 | Electric Companies - Cost Containment Plans - Requirement (Securing Affordable, Valuable Investments in Next Generation Grid Solutions (SAVINGS) Act) | Delegate Qi | Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Requiring electric companies to submit to the Public Service Commission cost containment plans for electric distribution and transmission system planning on or before January 1, 2027, and every 3 years thereafter; requiring the plans to combine to reduce peak electric system loads in a certain manner; and requiring electric companies to submit certain progress reports on the implementation of the plan. | |||
Utility Cost Recovery Limitations | SB0002 | HB0001 | Investor-Owned Electric, Gas, and Gas and Electric Companies - Cost Recovery - Limitations | Senator Hester | Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m. | Education, Energy, and the Environment | Prohibiting certain public service companies from recovering through rates any costs associated with paying certain employees a bonus unless the employee has a written contract executed by December 31, 2025, or the employee is covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement; prohibiting a certain public service company from recovering through rates any costs associated with a supervisor's annual compensation once the compensation exceeds a certain amount; etc. | |||
Utility Cost Recovery Limitations | HB0001 | SB0002 | Investor-Owned Electric, Gas, and Gas and Electric Companies - Cost Recovery - Limitations | Delegate Crosby | Second Reading Passed with Amendments | House Floor (2nd Reading) | Prohibiting certain public service companies from recovering through rates any costs associated with paying certain employees a bonus unless the employee has a written contract executed by December 31, 2025, or the employee is covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement; prohibiting a certain public service company from recovering through rates any costs associated with a supervisor's annual compensation once the compensation exceeds a certain amount; etc. | |||
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Repeal | HB0183 | SB0106 | Vehicle Laws - Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Repeal | Delegate Bouchat | Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Repealing the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. | |||
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Repeal | SB0106 | HB0183 | Vehicle Laws - Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Repeal | Senator Ready | Hearing 2/04 at 11:00 a.m. | Judicial Proceedings | Repealing the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. | |||
Zero Emission EV Infrastructure Council | HB0451 | Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council - Reporting and Sunset Extension | Delegate Fraser-Hidalgo | Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m. | Environment and Transportation | Altering the deadlines for the interim and final reporting requirements for the Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council; and extending the termination date for the Council from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2031. |
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