POLICY WATCH 2023

MCEC staff monitored 75 pieces of legislation (44 cross-files) relevant to our mission and the adoption of clean energy products, services, and technologies.  Thirty-two energy related bills passed their chamber of origination, the opposing chamber, were returned passed, and presented to the Governor for his signature. 61 (30 cross-files) failed due to sponsor withdrawal, unfavorable reports by the assigned committee, or remaining in committee. Twelve cross-filed bills that failed were companions to legislation that passed.

A detailed list of the bills tracked by MCEC, with status at the end of session is available in MCEC's 2023 Policy Watch Tracking Sheet Final Summary.

 

Summary Highlights

  • The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 prompted legislation addressing climate mitigation goals
  • Workforce Development is key in providing support for the advanced energy economy
  • Electric vehicle and EV Infrastructure legislation passed
  • Multiple pieces of legislation address Environmental Justice issues, with many remaining in committee
  • Building Performance Standards provided a repeated theme, but more legislation remains in committee than ones that passed
  • Several bills addressed the RPS but failed to gain traction
  • Legislation must pass both chambers and return to the chamber of origination to be presented to the Governor for his signature and become law by midnight on Sine Die

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & INDUSTRY REGULATION

  • Nineteen pieces of legislation address Green Infrastructure and Building Performance Standards
  • Nine crossed to opposing chamber and were Returned Passed
  • Bills that passed
    • SB0044 / HB0149 - Maryland Electricians Act – Revisions
    • SB0023 / HB0132 - Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Services - Journeyman License - Qualifications
    • SB0489 / HB0692 - Public Service Commission – Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity – Local Permits
    • HB0513 - Investor-Owned Utilities - Prevailing Wage – Enforcement
    • SB0549 / HB0552 - Economic Development - Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program and Fund (Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023)
    • HB0630 - Public Utilities - Primary and Secondary Account Holders - Domestic Violence Protections
    • SB0822 / HB0689 - Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) School Program - High School Diplomas
    • SB0906 / HB0622 - Economic Development - Industry 4.0 Technology Grant Program
    • SB0931 / HB1188 - Public Utilities - Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity - Solar Photovoltaic Systems

ELECTRIC VEHICLE REGULATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Ten pieces of legislation addressing the Electric Vehicle Regulation and Infrastructure
  • Six crossed to the opposing chamber and were Returned Passed
  • Bills that passed
    • HB0123 - Vehicle Laws - HOV Lanes - Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicles
    • HB0312 - Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Not Subject to Inspection - Fee
    •  SB0224 / HB0230 - Department of the Environment - Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles - Regulations (Clean Trucks Act of 2023)
    • HB0550 - Maryland Energy Administration - Energy Programs - Modifications (Clean Transportation and Energy Act)
    • SB0477 / HB0830 - Residential Construction or Significant Renovation - Electric Vehicle Charging

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE & BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

  • Six pieces of legislation address Green Infrastructure and Building Performance Standards
  • Five crossed to opposing chamber and were Returned Passed
  • Bills that passed
    • SB0062 / HB0062 - Land Use - Public Service Companies - Pollinator-Friendly Vegetation  Management
    • SB0092 / HB0006 - Department of General Services - Energy - Conserving Standards (Maryland Sustainable Buildings Act of 2023)
    • SB0143 / HB0068 - Electricity - Net Metering - Accrual of Net Excess Generation
    • SB0144 / HB0169 - Public Utilities - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs - Energy Performance Targets and Low-Income Housing
    • SB0151 / HB0012 - Equitable and Inclusive Transit-Oriented Development Enhancement Act

CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENTAL RELIEF

  • Ten pieces of legislation address Green Infrastructure and Building Performance Standards
  • Three crossed to opposing chamber and were Returned Passed
  • Bills that passed
    • HB0914 - Public Service Commission - Judicial Review – Proceedings
    • SB0611 / HB0874 - Office of the Attorney General - Environment and Natural Resources Monitoring Unit
    • SB0282 / HB0289 - Maryland Forestry Education Fund - Establishment

PASSED LEGISLATION

FAILED / WITHDRAWN LEGISLATION