Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB992

Introduced
2/10/23  

Caption

Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund – Compliance Fees for Solar Energy Shortfalls – Uses

Impact

If enacted, HB 992 will modify existing provisions of the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to emphasize support for solar projects that target low and moderate-income households. At least 60% of the compliance fees collected will be designated for projects that directly benefit these classifications of residents. This change is significant as it encourages the installation of solar photovoltaics to make renewable energy more accessible to those who may struggle to afford such investments otherwise.

Summary

House Bill 992 aims to amend how compliance fees related to solar energy shortfalls are utilized within the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. The bill specifically focuses on ensuring that these fees are allocated to support the creation of new solar energy systems that directly benefit low-income and moderate-income residents. By facilitating financial assistance in various forms, the bill seeks to expand access to solar energy resources among Maryland's economically disadvantaged populations.

Contention

The bill may face contention regarding the resource allocation and the effectiveness of funding strategies. Some stakeholders might argue that focusing funding predominantly on low-income households may limit broader community initiatives that could benefit a wider array of residents. Additionally, there could be debates about the best methods to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these solar projects to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to the intended communities. Discussions around the priorities for location of community solar projects might also arise, particularly regarding environmental and spatial constraints.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MD HB1273

Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund and Customer-Sited Solar Program - Alterations

MD SB664

Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program - Tier 1 Renewable Sources, Solar Energy Systems, and Alterations

MD HB1239

Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program - Tier 1 Renewable Sources, Solar Energy Systems, and Alterations

MD SB783

Public Utilities - Solar Energy Systems and Programs, Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund, and Prevailing Wage (Brighter Tomorrow Act)

MD SB357

Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard - Solar Energy - Compliance Fees

MD HB511

Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard – Solar Energy – Compliance Fees

MD HB1484

Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program - Solar Electric Photovoltaic Property and Solar Batteries - Grant Amounts

MD HB550

Maryland Energy Administration – Energy Programs – Modifications (Clean Transportation and Energy Act)

MD HB31

Maryland Energy Administration – Resiliency Hub Grant Program and Fund

MD SB256

Maryland Energy Administration – Resiliency Hub Grant Program and Fund

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.