Policy Updates

The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) keeps you informed about public policy decisions made by the General Assembly during the legislative session, with the potential to impact the energy sector in our state! Our team monitors activity in the Maryland General Assembly, looking for legislation relevant to our mission and your interest in advancing the adoption of clean energy products, services, technologies, and innovation. 

Want us to keep you up to date? RSVP for weekly virtual policy update meetings, where MCEC staff and industry stakeholder will break down new and pending energy legislation, and subscribe to our weekly email series.

MCEC staff monitored one hundred and fourteen (114) pieces of legislation relevant to our mission and the adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies. Sixteen (16) energy-related bills passed their chamber of origination, the opposing chamber, were returned passed or passed enrolled, and presented to the Governor for his signature. Ninety-eight (98) failed due to sponsor withdrawal, unfavorable reports by the assigned committee, or remaining in the assigned committee. When comparing the passage of energy-related legislation to last year’s session, 14% of the bills we tracked passed this year, compared to the 18% that passed last year. We must consider the thirteen (13) bills that were amended into SB0841/HB1532 – Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act.

Energy Affordability, Reliability, and Security

SB0223 – Maryland Energy Administration – Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program and Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund This legislation transfers the Jane E. Lawton

SB0344/HB0734 – Property Tax – Agricultural Use Assessment – Community Solar Energy Generating Systems

SB0461 – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Heat and Eat Program – Eligibility

HB0648 – Office of Home Energy Programs – Uniform Redetermination Process – Age

HB1532 – Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act

Impact Assessments, Reports, and Studies

SB0553/HB0833– Restrictions on Use – Solar Collector Systems – Alteration

SB0739 / HB1219 – Climate Change, Homeowner’s Insurance, and Emergency Management – Study

HB0663 – Department of the Environment – Federal Policy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Reporting

HB1554 – Sales and Use Tax – Electricity for Agriculture Purposes – Study and Report

Clean Transportation

HB0405 – Condominiums and Homeowners Associations – Governing Documents – Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment

HB0451 – Condominiums and Homeowners Associations – Governing Documents – Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment

HB0969 – Electric Vehicle Fuel Sold at Retail – Equipment Requirements, Units of Measure, and Fees HB0969

Environmental Regulations, Permitting, and Environmental Justice

SB0625 – Carbon Dioxide Capture, Removal, and Sequestration Projects – Regulations and Standards

SB0964 / HB0864 – Public Works Contracts – Apprenticeship Requirements (Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act)

HB0870 – Environment – Permit Applications for New Buildings – Notice (Large Buildings for Tomorrow Act)