EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
amendment.
Italics indicate opposite chamber/conference committee amendments.
*sb0528*
SENATE BILL 528
M3, M5 (2lr0531)
ENROLLED BILL
— Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs and Budget and
Taxation/Environment and Transportation and Economic Matters —
Introduced by Senators Pinsky, Ferguson, Kelley, Guzzone, Smith, Kagan,
Waldstreicher, Lam, Washington, Patterson, Hester, Ellis, Zucker, Kramer,
Hettleman, Young, Sydnor, Hayes, Watson, Beidle, Carter, Augustine,
Elfreth, Feldman, Jackson, King, and Lee
Read and Examined by Proofreaders:
_______________________________________________
Proofreader.
_______________________________________________
Proofreader.
Sealed with the Great Seal and presented to the Governor, for his approval this
_______ day of _______________ at ________________________ o’clock, ________M.
______________________________________________
President.
CHAPTER ______
AN ACT concerning 1
Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 2
FOR the purpose of requiring the State to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions 3
through the use of various measures, including the alteration of statewide 4
greenhouse gas emissions goals, the establishment of a net –zero statewide 5
greenhouse gas emissions goal, the development of certain energy efficiency and 6
electrification emissions reduction requirements for certain buildings, requiring 7
electric companies to increase their annual incremental gross energy savings 8
through certain programs and services, the establishment of certain zero–emission 9
vehicle requirements for the State vehicle fleet and local school buses, and the 10
establishment of a certain personal property tax exemptions exemption; requiring 11 2 SENATE BILL 528
the Governor to include a certain amount in the annual budget bill in certain fiscal 1
years for the Maryland Healthy Soils Program; establishing the Climate Catalytic 2
Capital Fund; requiring interest earnings of the Climate Catalytic Capital Fund to 3
be credited to the Climate Catalytic Capital Fund; requiring the Department of the 4
Environment, in coordination with the Public Service Commission and the Maryland 5
Energy Administration, to coordinate with certain utility providers to apply for and 6
access certain federal funds; altering the duties of the Commission on Environmental 7
Justice and Sustainable Communities; requiring landfill operators and the 8
Department of the Environment to take certain actions regarding methane 9
emissions; requiring the Department of the Environment to regulate methane 10
emissions from landfills; requiring the Department of the Environment to establish 11
Building Emissions Energy Performance Standards for certain buildings; requiring 12
the Commission on Climate Change to establish the Just Transition Employment 13
and Retraining Working Group to advise the Commission on Climate Change on 14
certain matters and conduct a certain study, the Energy Industry Revitalization 15
Working Group, the Energy Resilience and Efficiency Working Group, and the Solar 16
Photovoltaic Systems Recovery, Reuse, and Recycling Working Group; requiring the 17
Community Development Administration to develop and implement a program to 18
provide grants for energy conservation projects and projects to install renewable 19
energy systems in certain buildings; establishing the Maryland Climate Justice 20
Corps Program establishing labor standards for contractors and subcontractors 21
participating in certain projects undertaken by investor–owned electric companies or 22
gas and electric companies; altering the scope of the Chesapeake Conservation Corps 23
Program and the membership of the Advisory Board of the Corps Program; requiring 24
the Maryland Department of Labor to update the Maryland Building Performance 25
Standards adopt a certain construction code on or before a certain date and within a 26
certain period of time for each subsequent version of the code update the Maryland 27
Building Performance Standards adopt a certain construction code on or before a 28
certain date and within a certain period of time for each subsequent version of the 29
code; altering the duties of the Maryland Green Building Council; altering certain 30
percentages and purposes for certain targeted electricity reductions in certain years; 31
establishing an electric school bus pilot program; requiring the Public Service 32
Commission to implement and administer the pilot program; authorizing 33
investor–owned electric companies to apply to the Public Service Commission to 34
implement an electric school bus pilot program with a participating school system if 35
the pilot program meets certain standards; authorizing investor–owned electric 36
companies to recover certain costs under the pilot program, subject to the approval of 37
the Public Service Commission; establishing certain State policy goals with regard to 38
the State’s electric distribution system; requiring the Public Service Commission and 39
the Maryland Energy Administration to provide assistance and support to electric 40
companies for applying for and obtaining access to certain federal funds to meet the 41
State’s policy goals for the electric distribution system; requiring the Maryland 42
Energy Administration to identify certain funding sources; requiring certain electric 43
companies to report to the Public Service Commission and the Maryland Energy 44
Administration on certain funding information; establishing the Climate Transition 45
and Clean Energy Hub in the Maryland Energy Administration; establishing the 46
Net–Zero School Grant Fund; requiring interest earnings of the Net–Zero School 47 SENATE BILL 528 3
Grant Fund to be credited to the Net–Zero School Grant Fund; establishing the 1
Building Energy Transition Implementation Task Force to study certain matters and 2
develop a plan for funding the retrofit of certain buildings; requiring the Public 3
Service Commission and the Building Codes Administration to study and make 4
recommendations on the electrification of buildings in the State; requiring the 5
Maryland Green Building Council to examine and report on specified items relating 6
to the procurement of concrete by the State; and generally relating to climate change 7
impacts and measures to combat climate change impacts. 8
BY renumbering 9
Article – Environment 10
Section 2–1204.2 11
to be Section 2–1204.3 12
Annotated Code of Maryland 13
(2013 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 14
BY renumbering 15
Article – Economic Development 16
Section 10–854 and the part “Part V. Short Title” 17
to be Section 10–858 and the part “Part VI. Short Title” 18
Annotated Code of Maryland 19
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 20
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 21
Article – Agriculture 22
Section 2–1901(b) 23
Annotated Code of Maryland 24
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 25
BY adding to 26
Article – Agriculture 27
Section 2–1901(e) 28
Annotated Code of Maryland 29
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 30
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 31
Article – Economic Development 32
Section 10–801(a), (d), and (f) 33
Annotated Code of Maryland 34
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 35
(As enacted by Chapters 13 and 24 of the Acts of the General Assembly of the 2021 36
Special Session) 37
BY adding to 38
Article – Economic Development 39
Section 10–854 and 10–855 to be under the new part “Part V. Climate Catalytic 40
Capital Fund” 41 4 SENATE BILL 528
Annotated Code of Maryland 1
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 2
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 3
Article – Education 4
Section 5–303(k) 5
Annotated Code of Maryland 6
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 7
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 8
Article – Education 9
Section 5–312 10
Annotated Code of Maryland 11
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 12
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 13
Article – Environment 14
Section 1–701(f) 1–701(a), (f), and (h), 2–1201(4), 2–1204.1, 2–1205, 2–1206, 2–1210, 15
2–1303(a), 2–1304, and 2–1305 16
Annotated Code of Maryland 17
(2013 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 18
BY adding to 19
Article – Environment 20
Section 1–205, 1–702,; 1–901 through 1–911 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 21
9. Maryland Climate Justice Corps”; 2–407, 2–408 2–407 through 2–409, 22
2–1204.2, 2–1303.1, 2–1303.2, 2–1303.3, 2–1303.4, and 2–1505; and 2–1601 23
through 2–1603 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 16. Building Emissions 24
Energy Performance Standards” 25
Annotated Code of Maryland 26
(2013 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 27
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 28
Article – Environment 29
Section 1–701(a) and 2–1501 30
Annotated Code of Maryland 31
(2013 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 32
BY adding to 33
Article – Natural Resources 34
Section 8–1927 through 8–1938 to be under the new part “Part III. Maryland Climate 35
Justice Corps” 36
Annotated Code of Maryland 37
(2012 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 38
BY adding to 39
Article – Housing and Community Development 40 SENATE BILL 528 5
Section 4–211(d) 1
Annotated Code of Maryland 2
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 3
BY adding to 4
Article – Labor and Employment 5
Section 3–416 6
Annotated Code of Maryland 7
(2016 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 8
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 9
Article – Natural Resources 10
Section 8–1913, 8–1914, 8–1915(a)(2), 8–1920, and 8–1921 11
Annotated Code of Maryland 12
(2012 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 13
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 14
Article – Natural Resources 15
Section 8–1915(a)(1) 16
Annotated Code of Maryland 17
(2012 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 18
BY adding to 19
Article – Natural Resources 20
Section 8–1923.1 21
Annotated Code of Maryland 22
(2012 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 23
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 24
Article – Public Safety 25
Section 12–501 and 12–505(a)(1) 26
Annotated Code of Maryland 27
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 28
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 29
Article – Public Safety 30
Section 12–503 31
Annotated Code of Maryland 32
(2018 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 33
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 34
Article – Public Utilities 35
Section 7–211(g) 36
Annotated Code of Maryland 37
(2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 38
BY adding to 39 6 SENATE BILL 528
Article – Public Utilities 1
Section 7–217; and 7–801 through 7–804 to be under the new subtitle “Subtitle 8. 2
Electric Distribution System Planning” 3
Annotated Code of Maryland 4
(2020 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 5
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 6
Article – State Finance and Procurement 7
Section 3–602.1, 4–809(f), and 6–226(a)(2)(ii)144. and 145. 8
Annotated Code of Maryland 9
(2021 Replacement Volume) 10
BY adding to 11
Article – State Finance and Procurement 12
Section 3–602.4, 4–810, 6–226(a)(2)(ii)146. and 147., and 14–418 13
Annotated Code of Maryland 14
(2021 Replacement Volume) 15
BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 16
Article – State Finance and Procurement 17
Section 6–226(a)(2)(i) 18
Annotated Code of Maryland 19
(2021 Replacement Volume) 20
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 21
Article – State Finance and Procurement 22
Section 6–226(a)(2)(ii)144. and 145. 23
Annotated Code of Maryland 24
(2021 Replacement Volume) 25
BY adding to 26
Article – State Government 27
Section 9–2010 and 9–2011 28
Annotated Code of Maryland 29
(2021 Replacement Volume) 30
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 31
Article – Tax – Property 32
Section 7–237 33
Annotated Code of Maryland 34
(2019 Replacement Volume and 2021 Supplement) 35
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 36
That Section(s) 2–1204.2 of Article – Environment of the Annotated Code of Maryland be 37
renumbered to be Section(s) 2–1204.3. 38
SENATE BILL 528 7
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section(s) 10 –854 and the 1
part “Part V. Short Title” of Article – Economic Development of the Annotated Code of 2
Maryland be renumbered to be Section(s) 10–858 and the part “Part VI. Short Title”. 3
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 4
as follows: 5
Article – Agriculture 6
2–1901. 7
(b) There is a Maryland Healthy Soils Program. 8
(E) IN EACH OF FISCAL YEA RS 2024 THROUGH 2028, THE GOVERNOR SHALL 9
INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL AN APP ROPRIATION OF AT LEA ST $500,000 10
FOR THE PROGRAM. 11
Article – Environment 12
2–1204.1. 13
The State shall reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by [40%] 60% from 2006 14
levels by 2030. 15
2–1204.2. 16
THE STATE SHALL ACHIEVE N ET–ZERO STATEWIDE GREEN HOUSE GAS 17
EMISSIONS BY 2045. 18
SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 19
as follows: 20
Article – Economic Development 21
10–801. 22
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 23
(d) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Center. 24
(f) “Center” means the Maryland Clean Energy Center. 25
PART V. CLIMATE CATALYTIC CAPITAL FUND. 26
10–854. 27
8 SENATE BILL 528
(A) IN THIS PART THE FOLL OWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 1
INDICATED. 2
(B) “FUND” MEANS THE CLIMATE CATALYTIC CAPITAL FUND. 3
(C) “LOW– TO MODERATE –INCOME HOUSEHOLD ” MEANS A HOUSEHOLD 4
LOCATED IN A CENSUS TRACT WITH AN AVERAG E MEDIAN INCOME AT O R BELOW 80% 5
OF THE AVERAGE MEDIA N INCOME FOR THE STATE. 6
(C) (D) “QUALIFIED PROJECT ” MEANS A PROJECT RELA TED TO THE 7
PURPOSES SPECIFIED I N § 10–855(B) OF THIS SUBTITLE. 8
10–855. 9
(A) THERE IS A CLIMATE CATALYTIC CAPITAL FUND. 10
(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIC E 11
GEOGRAPHICAL IMPACT REMEDIES AND TO LEVERAGE INCR EASED PRIVATE 12
CAPITAL INVESTMENT I N TECHNOLOGY DEVELOP MENT AND DEPLOYMENT , 13
INCLUDING PROJECT PLANNING , TO: 14
(1) REDUCE GREENHOUSE GA S EMISSIONS AND ENAB LE THE 15
ADOPTION OF MEASURES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS; 16
(2) FACILITATE THE ELECT RIFICATION OF THE TR ANSPORTATION 17
SECTOR AND THE USE OF SUSTA INABLE ALTERNATIVE F UELS IN AVIATION; 18
(3) ENABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND 19
EFFICIENCY TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS FROM THE BUILDI NG 20
SECTOR; 21
(4) EXPAND THE DEPLOYMEN T OF CLEAN ENERGY GE NERATION AND 22
ENERGY STORAGE CAPAC ITY; 23
(5) TARGET THE IMPLEMENT ATION OF ENERGY AND 24
WEATHERIZATION MEASU RES FOR LOW– TO MODERATE –INCOME HOUSEHOLDS ; 25
(6) OPTIMIZE THE ECONOMI C, HEALTH, SOCIAL, AND 26
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE OF COMMUNITY –SCALE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR 27
RESILIENCE AND ENERG Y EQUITY; 28
(7) ALLOW FOR THE DEPLOY MENT OF CUTTING–EDGE, ADVANCED 29
CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOL OGY; AND 30
SENATE BILL 528 9
(8) PROVIDE FOR THE CREA TION OF A MARYLAND GREEN BOND 1
PROGRAM. 2
(C) (1) THE CENTER SHALL ADMINIST ER THE FUND. 3
(2) THE CENTER SHALL ESTABLIS H A FUND OVERSIGHT 4
COMMITTEE, APPOINTED BY THE BOARD, TO MANAGE THE FUND. 5
(D) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : 6
(1) MONEY APPROPRIATED I N THE STATE BUDGET TO THE FUND; 7
(2) MONEY MADE AVAILABLE TO THE FUND THROUGH PRIVATE 8
CONTRIBUTIONS AND FE DERAL GRANTS OR PROG RAMS; 9
(3) PROCEEDS FROM THE SA LE, DISPOSITION, LEASE, OR RENTAL OF 10
COLLATERAL RELATED T O FINANCING MADE FRO M THE FUND; 11
(4) REPAYMENT OF FINANCI NG MADE FROM THE FUND; 12
(5) RETURNS FROM OR RECO VERY OF ANY FINANCIN G MADE FROM 13
THE FUND; 14
(6) PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF ANY FINANCIN G MADE, OR ASSETS 15
ACQUIRED WITH PROCEE DS, FROM THE FUND; 16
(7) INTEREST EARNINGS ON MONEY IN THE FUND; AND 17
(8) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR 18
THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. 19
(E) (1) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY TO: 20
(I) EVALUATE AND COORDIN ATE FINANCING FOR QU ALIFIED 21
PROJECTS AND CLEAN E NERGY TECHNOLOGIES R ELATED TO THE PURPOS ES 22
SPECIFIED UNDER SUBS ECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION; 23
(II) PROVIDE FINANCING FO R QUALIFIED PROJECTS ; 24
(III) FACILITATE EFFICIENT TAX EQUITY MARKETS FOR 25
QUALIFIED PROJECTS ; 26
(IV) SECURE PRIVATE INVES TMENT CAPITAL FOR FI NANCING OF 27
QUALIFIED PROJECTS ; 28 10 SENATE BILL 528
(V) MAKE GRANTS TO OTHER GREEN BANKS IN THE STATE FOR 1
THE PURPOSE OF FINAN CING QUALIFIED PROJE CTS; AND 2
(VI) SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 3
ADMINISTER THE FUND AND ACTIVITIES O F THE CENTER IN CARRYING OU T THIS 4
PART. 5
(2) NOT MORE THAN 5% OF THE FUND BALANCE MAY BE U SED FOR 6
ADMINISTRATIVE PURPO SES. 7
(3) THE FUND MAY NOT BE USED FOR A PROJECT TO INSTALL NEW 8
EQUIPMENT THAT USES FOSSIL FUELS OR IMPR OVE THE EFFICIENCY O F EXISTING 9
EQUIPMENT THAT USES FOSSIL FUELS. 10
(F) (1) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY WITH THE 11
APPROVAL OF THE FUND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. 12
(2) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS 13
PARAGRAPH , IN EACH FISCAL YEAR AT LEAST 40% OF THE FUND BALANCE SHALL 14
BE USED FOR QUALIFIE D PROJECTS IN LOW– TO MODERATE –INCOME COMMUNITIES 15
COMMUNITIES WITH LOW – TO MODERATE –INCOME HOUSEHOLDS . 16
(II) IN ANY FISCAL YEAR THAT T HERE ARE NOT SUFFICI ENT 17
APPLICATIONS FOR QUA LIFIED PROJECTS IN LOW– TO MODERATE –INCOME 18
COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES WITH LOW – TO MODERATE –INCOME HOUSEHOLDS , 19
THE FUND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MAY AUTHORI ZE FUNDING THAT WOUL D 20
OTHERWISE BE RESERVE D UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH TO BE 21
USED FOR OTHER QUALI FIED PROJECTS . 22
(G) (1) THE FUND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO INDEPENDENT AUDIT . 23
(2) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE CENTER SHALL 24
REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE 25
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE USE O F THE FUND AND 26
OUTCOMES OF INVESTME NTS MADE FROM THE FUND. 27
(H) FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024, 2025, AND 2026, THE GOVERNOR SHALL 28
INCLUDE IN THE ANNUA L BUDGET BILL AN APP ROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 TO THE 29
FUND. 30
10–856. RESERVED. 31
10–857. RESERVED. 32 SENATE BILL 528 11
Article – Education 1
5–303. 2
(k) (1) A county is eligible for an adjustment to the local cost–share for school 3
construction projects under paragraph (2) of this subsection if: 4
(i) A county’s median household income is in the bottom quartile in 5
the State; and 6
(ii) The State and local cost–share formula for the county is 50% State 7
and 50% local. 8
(2) (i) The local cost–share of a school construction project in a county 9
that is eligible under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be reduced to equal the local 10
cost–share of the adjacent county that is less than 50% but closest to 50%. 11
(ii) The State cost–share of a school construction project in the eligible 12
county shall be increased by a percentage that is equal to the reduction under subparagraph 13
(i) of this paragraph. 14
(3) A COUNTY SHALL RECEIVE A 5 PERCENTAGE POINT INC REASE IN 15
THE STATE SHARE OF A SCHO OL CONSTRUCTION PROJ ECT IF THE PROPOSED 16
PROJECT IS TO BUILD A NET–ZERO SCHOOL . 17
Article – Education 18
5–312. 19
(a) In this section, “high performance building” has the meaning stated in § 20
3–602.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. 21
(b) This section applies to the construction of new schools that have not initiated 22
a Request For Proposal for the selection of an architectural and engineering consultant on 23
or before July 1, 2009. 24
(c) (1) [Except] SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION , AND 25
EXCEPT as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a new school that receives State public 26
school construction funds shall be constructed to be a high performance building. 27
(2) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS 28
PARAGRAPH , THE NET–ZERO ENERGY REQUIREM ENTS THAT APPLY FOR A BUILDING 29
TO MEET THE DEFINITI ON OF A “HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING ” UNDER § 3–602.1 30
OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE DO NOT APPLY TO PUBLIC 31
SCHOOL BUILDINGS . 32 12 SENATE BILL 528
(II) SUBJECT TO THE AVAILA BILITY OF FUNDING FR OM THE 1
NET–ZERO SCHOOL GRANT FUND ESTABLISHED UNDE R § 9–2010 OF THE STATE 2
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, AT LEAST ONE OF THE SCHOOLS CONSTRUCTED IN EACH 3
LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM FROM JULY 1, 2023, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2033, INCLUSIVE, 4
SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED TO MEET NET –ZERO ENERGY REQUIREM ENTS IN 5
ACCORDANCE WITH § 3–602.4 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMEN T 6
ARTICLE. 7
(3) (I) FOR EACH SCHOOL CONST RUCTED BY A LOCAL SC HOOL 8
SYSTEM FROM JULY 1, 2024, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2033, INCLUSIVE, THE LOCAL 9
SCHOOL SYSTEM SHALL CONSIDER WHETHER THE SCHOOL SHOULD BE 10
CONSTRUCTED WITH SOL AR PANELS ON THE ROO F OF THE SCHOOL . 11
(II) IF, AFTER CONSIDERING IN STALLING SOLAR PANEL S 12
UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH , A LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTE M DECIDES 13
NOT TO CONSTRUCT SOL AR PANELS ON THE ROO F OF THE SCHOOL , THE LOCAL 14
SCHOOL SYSTEM SHALL PROVIDE TO THE INTERAGENCY COMMISSION 15
INFORMATION REGARDING WHY T HE SCHOOL SYSTEM CHO SE NOT TO CONSTRUCT 16
SOLAR PANELS ON THE ROOF OF THE SCHOOL . 17
(d) (1) The Interagency Commission shall establish a process to allow a school 18
system to obtain a waiver from complying with subsection (c) of this section. 19
(2) The waiver process shall: 20
(i) Include a review by the Interagency Commission to determine if 21
the construction of a high performance building is not practicable; and 22
(ii) Require the approval of a waiver by the Interagency Commission. 23
(3) THE INTERAGENCY COMMISSION SHALL WAIV E THE 24
REQUIREMENTS OF SUBS ECTION (C)(2)(II) OF THIS SUBSECTION I F THE 25
INTERAGENCY COMMISSION DETERMINES THAT: 26
(I) THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NET–ZERO ENERGY SCHOOL 27
BUILDING IS NOT PRAC TICABLE BECAUSE OF S PATIAL LIMITATIONS AT THE 28
BUILDING SITE; OR 29
(II) WHEN TAKING INTO CONS IDERATION THE AVAILA BILITY OF 30
STATE COST SHARE FUND S AND GRANTS FROM TH E NET–ZERO SCHOOL GRANT 31
FUND ESTABLISHED UNDE R § 9–2010 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE 32
COST TO THE LOCAL JU RISDICTION OF CONSTRUCTIN G A NET–ZERO ENERGY 33 SENATE BILL 528 13
SCHOOL BUILDING WOUL D EXCEED THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING A TRADI TIONAL, 1
HIGH PERFORMANCE SCH OOL BUILDING. 2
(e) For fiscal years 2010 through 2014 only, the State shall pay 50% of the local 3
share of the extra costs, identified and approved by the Interagency Commission, that are 4
incurred in constructing a new school to meet the high performance building requirements 5
of this section. 6
(f) (1) The Interagency Commission shall adopt regulations to implement the 7
requirements of this section. 8
(2) IN IMPLEMENTING NET –ZERO ENERGY REQUIREM ENTS FOR 9
SCHOOL BUILDINGS , THE INTERAGENCY COMMISSION SHALL CONS ULT WITH THE 10
CLIMATE TRANSITION AND CLEAN ENERGY HUB ESTABLISHED UNDER § 9–2011 OF 11
THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE. 12
Article – Environment 13
1–205. 14
IN ORDER TO MEET THE POLICY GOALS OF THE STATE FOR THE ELECTRI C 15
DISTRIBUTION GRID SY STEM, THE DEPARTMENT , IN COORDINATION WITH THE 16
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION , 17
SHALL COORDINATE WIT H UTILITY PROVIDERS IN THE STATE TO APPLY FOR AN D 18
ACCESS FEDERAL FUNDS , INCLUDING FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE UNDER §§ 40101, 19
40103, AND 40107 OF THE FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT. 20
1–701. 21
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 22
(2) “Business organization” means a corporation, business trust, 23
partnership, or any other for–profit entity. 24
(3) “Commission” means the Commission on Environmental Justice and 25
Sustainable Communities. 26
(4) “Community listening session” means a public convening to gather 27
information and input from community members. 28
(5) “Environmental justice” means equal protection from environmental 29
and public health hazards for all people regardless of race, income, culture, and social 30
status. 31
14 SENATE BILL 528
(6) “Environmental organization” means a nonprofit entity engaged in 1
advocacy or, action, EDUCATION, OR JOB TRAINING related to conservation, stewardship 2
of natural resources, or pollution reduction, OR CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS. 3
(7) “OVERBURDENED COMMUNIT Y” MEANS ANY CENSUS TRA CT FOR 4
WHICH THREE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING ENV IRONMENTAL HEALTH IN DICATORS 5
ARE ABOVE THE 75TH PERCENTILE STATEW IDE: 6
(I) PARTICULATE MATTER (PM) 2.5; 7
(II) OZONE; 8
(III) NATIONAL AIR TOXICS ASSESSMENT (NATA) DIESEL PM; 9
(IV) NATA CANCER RISK; 10
(V) NATA RESPIRATORY HAZARD I NDEX; 11
(VI) TRAFFIC PROXIMITY ; 12
(VII) LEAD PAINT INDICATOR ; 13
(VIII) NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST SUPERFUND SITE PROXIM ITY; 14
(IX) RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN FACILITY PROXIMI TY; 15
(X) HAZARDOUS WASTE PROXI MITY; 16
(XI) WASTEWATER DISCHARGE INDICATOR; 17
(XII) PROXIMITY TO A CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING 18
OPERATION (CAFO); 19
(XIII) PERCENT OF THE POPULA TION LACKING BROADBA ND 20
COVERAGE; 21
(XIV) ASTHMA EMERGENCY ROOM DISCHARGES; 22
(XV) MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION DISCHARGES; 23
(XVI) LOW–BIRTH–WEIGHT INFANTS ; 24
(XVII) PROXIMITY TO EMITTING POWER PLANTS ; 25
SENATE BILL 528 15
(XVIII) PROXIMITY TO A TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY (TRI) 1
FACILITY; 2
(XIX) PROXIMITY TO A BROWNF IELDS SITE; 3
(XX) PROXIMITY TO MINING OPERATIONS ; AND 4
(XXI) PROXIMITY TO A HAZARD OUS WASTE LANDFILL . 5
(8) “UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY ” MEANS ANY CENSUS TRA CT IN 6
WHICH, ACCORDING TO THE MOS T RECENT U.S. CENSUS BUREAU SURVEY: 7
(I) AT LEAST 25% OF THE RESIDENTS QUA LIFY AS 8
LOW–INCOME; 9
(II) AT LEAST 50% OF THE RESIDENTS IDE NTIFY AS NONWHITE ; 10
OR 11
(III) AT LEAST 15% OF THE RESIDENTS HAV E LIMITED ENGLISH 12
PROFICIENCY. 13
(f) (1) The Department shall provide staff for the Commission. 14
(2) THE STAFFING RESPONSI BILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT SHALL 15
INCLUDE CONDUCTING : 16
(I) CONDUCTING RESEARCH AND GATHERI NG DATA AT THE 17
DIRECTION OF THE COMMISSION; 18
(II) ARRANGING AND STAFFIN G COMMISSION MEETINGS ; 19
(III) SERVING AS AN INFORME D RESOURCE FOR THE CHAIR AND 20
MEMBERS; AND 21
(IV) MANAGING, IMPLEMENTING , AND CARRYING OUT THE 22
COMMISSION’S WORK TO ACHIEVE IT S MISSION AND OVERAL L PURPOSE. 23
(h) The Commission shall: 24
(1) Advise State government agencies on environmental justice and related 25
community issues; 26
(2) Use data sets and mapping tools to review and analyze the impact of 27
current State and local laws, permits, actions, and policies on the issue of environmental 28
justice and sustainable communities, including cumulative impacts, effects, and exposure; 29 16 SENATE BILL 528
(3) Assess the adequacy of State and local government laws to address the 1
issue of environmental justice and sustainable communities, including assessing 2
compliance with Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964; 3
(4) Coordinate with the Children’s Environmental Health and Protection 4
Advisory Council, the Maryland Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the 5
Commission on Climate Change on recommendations related to environmental justice and 6
sustainable communities; [and] 7
(5) IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 1–702 OF THIS SUBTITLE , COORDINATE 8
WITH THE DEPARTMENT ON : 9
(I) THE ADOPTION OF A MET HODOLOGY FOR IDENTIF YING 10
COMMUNITIES DISPROPO RTIONATELY AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS; 11
(II) THE DEVELOPMENT OF SP ECIFIC STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS 12
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIC E GEOGRAPHICAL IMPACT CONCERNS, REDUCE EMISSIONS 13
OF GREENHOUSE GASES AND CO–POLLUTANTS , AND BUILD CLIMATE EQ UITY AND 14
RESILIENCE WITHIN DI SPROPORTIONATELY AFF ECTED COMMUNITIES ; AND 15
(III) THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GOALS FOR THE PERCENTAGE O F 16
STATE FUNDING FOR GRE ENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION MEASURES T HAT 17
SHOULD BE USED FOR T HE BENEFIT OF DISPRO PORTIONATELY AFFECTE D 18
COMMUNITIES ; AND 19
(6) Recommend options to the Governor and the General Assembly for 20
addressing issues, concerns, or problems related to environmental justice that surface after 21
reviewing State laws and policies, including prioritizing areas of the State that need 22
immediate attention. 23
1–702. 24
(A) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT , IN 25
CONSULTAT ION WITH THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND 26
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES , SHALL: 27
(1) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION , ADOPT A 28
METHODOLOGY FOR IDEN TIFYING COMMUNITIES DISPROPORTIONATELY A FFECTED 29
BY CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS; 30
(2) DEVELOP SPECIFIC STRA TEGIES TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL 31
JUSTICE GEOGRAPHICAL IMPACT CONCERNS, REDUCE EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE 32
GASES AND CO–POLLUTANTS , AND BUILD CLIMATE EQ UITY AND RESILIENCE WITHIN 33
COMMUNITIES DISPROPO RTIONATELY AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS; 34 SENATE BILL 528 17
(3) SET APPROPRIATE GOALS FOR THE PERCENTAGE O F STATE 1
FUNDING FOR GREENHOU SE GAS EMISSION REDU CTION MEASURES THAT SHOULD 2
BE USED FOR THE BENE FIT OF DISPROPORTION ATELY AFFECTED COMMU NITIES; 3
AND 4
(4) REPORT TO THE MARYLAND COMMISSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE 5
AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE 6
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE POLIC IES AND PROGRAMS DEVELOPED UNDER THIS 7
SUBSECTION. 8
(B) IN EVALUATING METHODO LOGIES UNDER SUBSECT ION (A)(1) OF THIS 9
SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL USE MARYLAND EJSCREEN OR OTHER 10
APPROPRIATE MAPPING TOOLS TO CONSIDER GEOGRAPHIC , DEMOGRAPHIC , 11
PUBLIC HEALTH , ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD , AND SOCIOECONOMIC CR ITERIA, 12
INCLUDING:, AT A MINIMUM, INCLUDE: 13
(1) UNDERSERVED COMMUNITI ES; 14
(2) OVERBURDENED COMMUNIT IES; AND 15
(1) AREAS BURDENED BY CUM ULATIVE ENVIRONMENTA L POLLUTION 16
AND OTHER HAZARDS TH AT CAN LEAD TO NEGAT IVE PUBLIC HEALTH EF FECTS; 17
(2) AREAS WITH HIGH CONCE NTRATIONS OF: 18
(I) PEOPLE PERSONS EXPERIENCING POVERTY , HIGH 19
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES , HIGH RENT BURDENS , LOW LEVELS OF HOME O WNERSHIP, 20
OR LOW LEVELS OF EDU CATIONAL ATTAINMENT ; OR 21
(II) POPULATIONS THAT HAVE HISTORICALLY EXPERIE NCED 22
DISCRIMINATION ON TH E BASIS OF RACE OR E THNICITY OR SUBGROUPS THAT HAVE 23
EXPERIENCED SIGNIFIC ANTLY HIGHER AND MOR E ADVERSE HEALTH AND 24
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT S BASED ON RACE , GENDER, ETHNICITY, COLOR, 25
CULTURE, NATIONAL ORIGIN , OR INCOME; AND 26
(3) AREAS THAT ARE VULNER ABLE TO THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE 27
CHANGE IMPACTS, SUCH AS FLOODING , STORM SURGES , AND URBAN HEAT ISLAN D 28
EFFECTS, DUE TO LOW LEVELS OF TREE COVERAGE , HIGH LEVELS OF IMPER VIOUS 29
SURFACES, OR OTHER FACTORS . 30
(C) IN CARRYING OUT ITS R ESPONSIBILITIES UNDE R THIS SECTION , THE 31
DEPARTMENT SHALL SOLICIT: 32
18 SENATE BILL 528
(1) SOLICIT INPUT FROM ALL SEGME NTS OF THE POPULATIO N THAT 1
WILL BE IMPACTED BY THE POLICIES DEVELOP ED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS 2
SECTION, INCLUDING INDIVIDUAL S LIVING IN AREAS TH AT MAY BE IDENTIFIED AS 3
DISPROPORTIONATELY A FFECTED COMMUNITIES UNDER THE PR OPOSED CRITERIA ; 4
(2) ENSURE THAT EQUITY AN D ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTIC E 5
GEOGRAPHICAL IMPACT REMEDIES ARE KEY PRINCIPLES ; AND 6
(3) INCORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL AND CL IMATE JUSTICE 7
GEOGRAPHICAL IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS INTO ALL RECOMMENDATIONS , 8
POLICIES, PROGRAMS, AND FUNDING PRIORITI ES. 9
SUBTITLE 9. MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE CORPS. 10
1–901. 11
(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 12
INDICATED. 13
(B) “CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT ” MEANS A PROJECT TO I MPROVE ACCESS TO 14
CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY SOU RCES IN A COMMUNITY DISPROPORTIONATELY 15
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE. 16
(C) “CLIMATE MITIGATION PR OJECT” MEANS A PROJECT TO R EDUCE 17
EMISSIONS OF GREENHO USE GASES AND CO –POLLUTANTS AND MITIG ATE THE 18
HEALTH IMPACTS OF CL IMATE CHANGE IN A CO MMUNITY DISPROPORTIO NATELY 19
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE. 20
(D) “COMMUNITY DISPROPORTI ONATELY AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE ” 21
MEANS A COMMUNITY ID ENTIFIED USING THE M ETHODOLOGY RECOMMEND ED BY 22
THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONME NTAL JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 23
UNDER § 1–702 OF THIS TITLE. 24
(E) “COORDINATING ENTITY” MEANS THE CHESAPEAKE BAY TRUST 25
ESTABLISHED UNDER § 8–1902 OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE. 26
(E) (F) “CORPS BOARD” MEANS THE ADVISORY BOARD OF THE CORPS 27
PROGRAM. 28
(F) (G) “CORPS PROGRAM” MEANS THE MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE 29
CORPS PROGRAM ESTABLISHED U NDER § 1–902 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 30
(G) (H) “QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIO N” MEANS: 31
SENATE BILL 528 19
(1) A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATI ON OR NONBUSINESS ENTITY; 1
(2) AN EDUCATIONAL , ADVOCACY, OR JOB TRAINING ORGA NIZATION; 2
(3) A COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIO N; 3
(4) A SERVICE, YOUTH, OR CIVIC GROUP ; 4
(5) A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ED UCATIONAL INSTITUTIO N; 5
(6) A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALI TY; OR 6
(7) A UNIT OF STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 7
1–902. 8
(A) THERE IS A MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE CORPS PROGRAM 9
ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT , IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CORPS BOARD 10
DEPARTMENT AND MANAGE D BY THE COORDINATING ENTITY IN ACCORDANCE 11
WITH THIS SUBTITLE . 12
(B) THE COORDINATING ENTITY SHALL MANAGE T HE PRIMARY ACTIVITIE S, 13
MANAGE THE BUDGET , AND PROMOTE THE PURP OSE OF THE CORPS PROGRAM. 14
(B) (C) THE PURPOSE OF THE CORPS PROGRAM IS TO: 15
(1) PROMOTE CLIMATE JUSTI CE AND ASSIST THE STATE IN 16
ACHIEVING ITS GREENH OUSE GAS EMISSION S REDUCTION TARGETS ; 17
(2) PROVIDE YOUTH AND YOU NG ADULTS WITH OPPOR TUNITIES TO 18
ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL SERVICE TO THEIR COM MUNITIES AND THE STATE; 19
(3) MOBILIZE, EDUCATE, AND TRAIN YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS TO 20
DEPLOY CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AND MITIG ATE AND PREVENT THE 21
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HE ALTH IMPACTS OF CLIM ATE CHANGE IN COMMUN ITIES 22
DISPROPORTIONATELY A FFECTED BY CLIMATE C HANGE; 23
(4) ENSURE UNDERSERVED A ND ENVIRONMENTAL JUS TICE 24
POPULATIONS ARE GIVE N ASSISTANCE NEEDED TO PREPARE FOR AND A DAPT TO 25
THE IMPACTS OF CLIMA TE CHANGE; AND 26
(5) PROVIDE A GREEN CAREE R LADDER AND OPPORTU NITIES FOR 27
ALL YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE MOS T AT RISK, TO BE EXPOSED 28
TO AND TRAINED IN TH E ENERGY EFFICIENCY , ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC TION, 29 20 SENATE BILL 528
GOVERNMENTAL AND REG ULATORY ADMINISTRATI ON, AND RENEWABLE ENERGY 1
GENERATION SECTORS . 2
1–903. 3
(A) (1) THE PURPOSE OF THE CORPS BOARD IS TO ADVISE TH E 4
DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY AND THE DEPARTMENT IN THE 5
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPL EMENTATION OF THE CORPS PROGRAM. 6
(2) THE CORPS BOARD CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS : 7
(I) TWO MEMBERS OF THE SENATE OF MARYLAND, APPOINTED 8
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; 9
(II) TWO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED 10
BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 11
(III) ONE PRESIDENT FROM A HISTORICALLY BLACK C OLLEGE 12
OR UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE, OR THE PRESIDENT ’S DESIGNEE, APPOINTED BY THE 13
COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ; 14
(IV) TWO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE 15
MARYLAND CORPS BOARD APPOINTED BY TH E BOARD CHAIR; 16
(V) THREE MEMBERS APPOINT ED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE 17
ADVICE AND CONSENT O F THE SENATE, INCLUDING AT LEAST O NE INDIVIDUAL 18
FROM THE NONPROFIT S ECTOR WITH A BACKGRO UND IN EDUCATION AND STUDENT 19
SERVICE AND ONE WITH A BACKGROUND IN WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT ; AND 20
(VI) THREE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON 21
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES, APPOINTED BY THE 22
CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION. 23
(3) IF A REGULATED LOBBYI ST IS APPOINTED TO S ERVE AS A MEMBER 24
OF THE CORPS BOARD, THE LOBBYIST IS NOT SUBJECT TO: 25
(I) § 5–504(D) OF THE GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE; OR 26
(II) § 5–704(F)(3) OF THE GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE AS A 27
RESULT OF THAT SERVI CE. 28
(B) A MEMBER OF THE CORPS BOARD SHALL RESIDE IN THE STATE. 29
SENATE BILL 528 21
(C) IN MAKING APPOINTMENT S TO THE CORPS BOARD, THE GOVERNOR 1
SHALL CONSIDER : 2
(1) RACIAL, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, AND GENDER DIVERSITY ; AND 3
(2) ALL GEOGRAPHIC REGION S OF THE STATE. 4
(D) A MEMBER OF THE CORPS BOARD: 5
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE CORPS 6
BOARD; BUT 7
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE 8
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET . 9
(E) (1) THE TERM OF A MEMBER IS 4 YEARS. 10
(2) THE TERMS OF THE MEMB ERS ARE STAGGERED AS REQUIRED BY 11
THE TERMS PROVIDED F OR MEMBERS ON JULY 1, 2022. 12
(3) AT THE END OF A TERM , A MEMBER CONTINUES TO SERVE UNTIL 13
A SUCCESSOR IS APPOI NTED AND QUALIFIES . 14
(4) A MEMBER WHO IS APPOIN TED AFTER A TERM HAS BEGUN SERVES 15
ONLY FOR THE REST OF THE TERM AND UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINT ED AND 16
QUALIFIES. 17
(F) THE APPOINTING AUTHOR ITY MAY REMOV E A MEMBER FOR 18
INCOMPETENCE , MISCONDUCT , OR FAILURE TO PERFOR M THE DUTIES OF THE 19
POSITION. 20
(G) (1) THE CORPS BOARD SHALL DETERMINE THE TIMES AND PLACES 21
OF ITS MEETINGS. 22
(2) THE CORPS BOARD MAY ACT WITH AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF 23
SEVEN MEMBERS . 24
(3) THE CORPS BOARD SHALL MAKE PUBL ICLY AVAILABLE ON IT S 25
WEBSITE LIVE VIDEO S TREAMING OF EACH POR TION OF A MEETING TH AT IS HELD 26
IN OPEN SESSION. 27
1–904. 28
22 SENATE BILL 528
(A) FROM AMONG ITS MEMBER S, THE CORPS BOARD SHALL ELECT A C HAIR 1
AND A VICE CHAIR. 2
(B) THE DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY SHALL PROVIDE STAFF 3
SUPPORT FOR THE CORPS BOARD. 4
1–905. 5
(A) (1) THE DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY, IN CONSULTATION 6
WITH THE CORPS BOARD, SHALL MAKE GRANTS TO QUALIFIED ORGANIZATI ONS TO 7
SUPPORT A MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE CORPS PROGRAM THAT INVOLVES 8
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADUL TS THROUGHOUT THE STATE TO CARRY OUT TH IS 9
SUBTITLE. 10
(2) THE CORPS PROGRAM SHALL ENGAGE AND DEVELOP CORPS 11
MEMBERS IN CLIMATE J USTICE PROJECTS AND CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT S IN 12
COMMUNITIES DISPROPO RTIONATELY AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CH ANGE. 13
(3) ELIGIBLE CORPS PROGRAM EXPENSES INCL UDE PERSONNEL 14
COSTS, STIPENDS, SUPPLIES, AND OTHER MATERIALS FOR PROJECTS UNDERTA KEN 15
BY CORPS MEMBERS . 16
(B) THE DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY, IN CONSULTATION WITH 17
THE CORPS BOARD, SHALL DEVELOP GUIDEL INES FOR EVALUATING APPLI CATIONS 18
FROM QUALIFIED ORGAN IZATIONS. 19
(C) THE GUIDELINES DEVELO PED IN ACCORDANCE WI TH SUBSECTION (B) 20
OF THIS SECTION SHAL L: 21
(1) CONSIDER THE CAPABILI TY OF THE QUALIFIED ORGANIZATION 22
TO CARRY OUT CORPS PROGRAMS OR PRO JECTS; 23
(2) ENCOURAGE AND CONSIDE R MULTIYEAR , MULTIPARTNER 24
PROPOSALS, LOCAL MATCH , COST–SHARING AGREEMENTS , AND IN–KIND MATCH AS 25
FACTORS IN EVALUATIN G CORPS PROGRAM GRANT APPLICA TIONS; AND 26
(3) REQUIRE GRANT APPLICA TIONS TO DESCRIBE HO W THE 27
QUALIFYING ORGANIZAT ION INTENDS TO: 28
(I) ASSESS THE SKILLS OF CORPS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ; 29
(II) PROVIDE LIFE SKILLS A ND WORK SKILLS TRAIN ING; 30
SENATE BILL 528 23
(III) PROVIDE TRAINING AND EDUCATION, IN ADDITION TO THE 1
TRAINING PROVIDED AS A PART OF THE MAIN CORPS PROGRAM; 2
(IV) DEVELOP, WHERE RELEVANT , AGREEMENTS FOR 3
ACADEMIC STUDY WITH : 4
1. LOCAL EDUCATION AGENC IES; 5
2. COMMUNITY COLLEGES ; 6
3. 4–YEAR COLLEGES ; 7
4. AREA CHARTER HIGH SCH OOLS AND 8
VOCATIONAL–TECHNICAL SCHOOLS ; AND 9
5. COMMUNITY–BASED ORGANIZATIONS ; AND 10
(V) PROVIDE CAREER AND ED UCATIONAL GUIDANCE . 11
(D) A GRANT AGREEMENT REGA RDING FUNDS FROM THE DEPARTMENT 12
COORDINATING ENTITY SHALL: 13
(1) SPECIFY THE ALLOWED U SE OF THE FUNDS PROV IDED UNDER 14
THE GRANT , INCLUDING ACCOUNTABI LITY MEASURES AND PE RFORMANCE 15
REQUIREMENTS ; 16
(2) TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED FOR EFFICIENT M ULTIYEAR 17
FUNDING AND ADMINIST RATION OF THE FUNDS ; AND 18
(3) INCLUDE PROVISIONS FO R VERIFICATION THAT CORPS 19
PROGRAMS AND PROJECT S ARE BEING IMPLEMEN TED AS PLANNED . 20
1–906. 21
(A) FOR THE CORPS PROGRAM, THE DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY 22
AND QUALIFIED ORGANI ZATIONS SHALL PRINCI PALLY RECRUIT INDIVI DUALS FOR A 23
MINIMUM 6–MONTH COMMITMENT WHO , AT THE TIME OF ENROL LMENT, ARE AT 24
LEAST 18 YEARS OLD AND NOT MO RE THAN 25 YEARS OLD. 25
(B) QUALIFIED ORGANIZ ATIONS MAY NOT UNDER TAKE A PROJECT IF TH E 26
PROJECT WOULD REPLAC E REGULAR WORKERS OR DUPLICATE OR REPLACE AN 27
EXISTING SERVICE IN THE SAME LOCALITY . 28
(C) A CORPS MEMBER MAY RECE IVE A STIPEND. 29 24 SENATE BILL 528
(D) STIPENDS FOR CORPS MEMBERS SHALL I NCLUDE MONETARY 1
PAYMENTS O F AT LEAST $15 PER HOUR AND HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS . 2
1–907. 3
(A) THE DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY SHALL PROVIDE 4
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO QUALIFIED ORGANIZ ATIONS THAT REQUEST 5
ASSISTANCE. 6
(B) THE DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY SHALL CONVENE CORPS 7
MEMBERS ON A REGULAR BAS IS IN ORDER TO: 8
(1) PROMOTE TEAM BUILDING AMONG THE PARTICIPAN TS; 9
(2) DEVELOP AN UNDERSTAND ING OF THE OVERALL CORPS 10
PROGRAM PURPOSE ; 11
(3) SHARE INFORMATION ABO UT BEST PRACTICES ; 12
(4) RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE ; AND 13
(5) PROVIDE TRAINING AND OTHER L EARNING OPPORTUNITIE S. 14
(C) IN PROVIDING TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSIST ANCE, THE 15
DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY MAY CONTRACT W ITH AN ORGANIZATION 16
WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF DEVELOPING AND SUSTAINING CORPS 17
PROGRAMS, WORKING WITH THE MARYLAND CONSERVATION CORPS MODEL , AND 18
ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPL E. 19
1–908. 20
(A) THE CORPS PROGRAM’S PROJECTS AND ACTIV ITIES SHALL MEET AN 21
IDENTIFIABLE PUBLIC NEED WITHIN A COMMUN ITY DISPROPORTIONATE LY 22
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE, WITH SPECIFIC EMPHAS IS ON PROJE CTS THAT 23
RESULT IN LONG –TERM REDUCTIONS TO G REENHOUSE GAS EMISSI ONS AND 24
IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBL IC HEALTH AND THE EN VIRONMENT. 25
(B) CLIMATE MITIGATION PR OJECTS MAY INCLUDE : 26
(1) PROJECTS TO EXPAND UR BAN TREE CANOPY , IMPLEMENT GREEN 27
ROOFTOPS, AND TAKE OTHE R ACTIONS TO REDUCE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EF FECTS; 28
AND 29
SENATE BILL 528 25
(2) PROJECTS TO IMPROVE A CCESS TO CLEAN , RELIABLE 1
TRANSPORTATION , INCLUDING THROUGH TH E EXPANSION OF BIKE TRAILS AND 2
PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS . 3
(C) CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS MAY INCLUDE: 4
(1) PROJECTS TO IN STALL RENEWABLE ENER GY SYSTEMS AT 5
LOW–INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AN D SCHOOLS , LIBRARIES, AND OTHER PUBLIC 6
BUILDINGS; 7
(2) PROJECTS TO UNDERTAKE HOLISTIC RETROFITS O F 8
LOW–INCOME HOUSEHOLDS , INCLUDING WEATHERIZA TION AND HEAT PUMP 9
INSTALLATION; AND 10
(3) PROJECTS TO PROVIDE EXPERIE NCE IN THE ENERGY 11
EFFICIENCY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC TION, GOVERNMENTAL AND REG ULATORY 12
ADMINISTRATION , AND RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION SECTORS . 13
1–909. 14
(A) THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CORPS BOARD COORDINATING ENTITY 15
SHALL SEEK FEDERAL F UNDS AND GRANTS AND DONATI ONS FROM PRIVATE 16
SOURCES TO BE MADE T O THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE PU RPOSE OF LONG –TERM 17
FUNDING OF THE CORPS PROGRAM. 18
(B) (1) IN FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER , THE 19
GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE ANNUAL BUDG ET BILL AN APPROPRIA TION OF 20
$1,500,000 TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE CORPS PROGRAM. 21
(2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL TRAN SFER THE FUNDS RECEI VED 22
UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION TO THE COORDINATING ENTITY FOR 23
THE OPERATION OF THE CORPS PROGRAM. 24
1–910. 25
(A) IN DEVELOPING ITS PRO GRAMS AND SEEKING FE DERAL AND STATE 26
GRANTS, THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CORPS BOARD COORDINATING ENTITY 27
SHALL: 28
(1) COORDINATE ALL EFFORT S WITH THE MARYLAND CORPS 29
PROGRAM ESTABLISHED U NDER § 24–1102 OF THE EDUCATION ARTICLE; 30
26 SENATE BILL 528
(2) COORDINATE ALL EFFORT S WITH THE MARYLAND 1
CONSERVATION CORPS, TO ENGAGE YOUNG ADUL TS IN CONSERVATION S ERVICE 2
PROJECTS; 3
(3) SEEK ASSISTANCE AND A DVICE FROM RELEV ANT PUBLIC AND 4
PRIVATE SOURCES ; AND 5
(4) EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INITIATING A COL LEGE–LEVEL 6
CAMPAIGN TO ENGAGE W ITH COMMUNITY COLLEG ES, HISTORICALLY BLACK 7
COLLEGES AND UNIVERS ITIES, AND OTHER INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING I N 8
THE STATE. 9
(B) IN DEVELOP ING CLEAN ENERGY INF RASTRUCTURE AND EDUC ATIONAL 10
PROGRAMS, THE DEPARTMENT COORDINATING ENTITY AND THE CORPS BOARD 11
SHALL SEEK ASSISTANC E FROM AND COOPERATE WITH THE MARYLAND CLEAN 12
ENERGY CENTER UNDER TITLE 10, SUBTITLE 8 OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 13
ARTICLE. 14
(C) IN DEVELOPING ITS CORPS MEMBER PROGRAMS , THE DEPARTMENT 15
COORDINATING ENTITY AND THE CORPS BOARD SHALL SEEK ASSI STANCE FROM 16
AND COOPERATE WITH : 17
(1) THE MARYLAND SERVICE CORPS AND THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE 18
ON SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM UNDER TITLE 9.5, SUBTITLE 2 OF THE STATE 19
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE; 20
(2) THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND OTHER AP PROPRIATE 21
UNITS OF STATE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR ENTIT IES TO DEVELOP 22
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ST UDENT PARTICIPATION IN PRIVATE SECTOR AC TIVITIES, 23
SUCH AS INTERNSHIP A ND EXTERNSHIP PROGRAMS ; AND 24
(3) COMMUNITY COLLEGES , 4–YEAR COLLEGES , AND UNIVERSITIES 25
IN THE STATE, TO DEVELOP OPPORTUNI TIES FOR COURSE CRED IT ARRANGEMENTS 26
THROUGH WHICH CORPS MEMBERS MAY EAR N COURSE CREDITS FOR 27
PARTICIPATION IN THE CORPS PROGRAM AS AN A LTERNATIVE TO OR IN AD DITION 28
TO PAYMENT OF A STIP END. 29
1–911. 30
(A) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR , THE DEPARTMENT , IN 31
CONSULTATION WITH TH E COORDINATING ENTITY AND THE CORPS BOARD, SHALL 32
REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE 33
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 34
SENATE BILL 528 27
(B) THE REPORT SHALL INCL UDE A COMPLETE OPERA TING AND FINANCIAL 1
STATEMENT COVERING T HE OPERATIONS OF THE CORPS BOARD COORDINATING 2
ENTITY AND A SUMMARY OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CORPS BOARD DURING THE 3
PRECEDING FISCAL YEAR. 4
2–407. 5
(A) THIS SUBJECT TO § 2–409 OF THIS SUBTITLE , THIS SECTION APPLIES 6
ONLY TO A MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL THAT IS REQUIRED TO MONITOR AND 7
REPORT METHANE EMISS IONS TO THE DEPARTMENT . 8
(B) IF METHANE EMISSIONS DATA ACQUIRED FROM AIRCRAFT 9
OBSERVATIONS , WHERE AVAILABLE , EXCEEDS THE GROUND –LEVEL EMISSIONS 10
DATA REPORTED BY A M UNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL BY MORE THA N 25%, THE 11
DEPARTMENT SHALL REQU IRE THE LANDFILL OPE RATOR TO: 12
(1) INVESTIGATE THE DIFFE RENCE BETWEEN THE DA TA; 13
(2) REASSESS THE METHODOL OGY AND EQUIPMENT US ED TO OBTAIN 14
THE GROUND –LEVEL DATA; AND 15
(3) (I) TAKE ANY STEPS NECESS ARY TO IMPROVE THE A CCURACY 16
OF GROUND–LEVEL EMISSIONS DATA ; OR 17
(II) EXPLAIN TO THE DEPARTMENT THE SCIENT IFIC BASIS FOR 18
BELIEVING THAT THE G ROUND–LEVEL EMISSIONS DATA IS ACCURATE. 19
(C) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PUBL ICLY DISCLOSE ON THE DEPARTMENT ’S 20
WEBSITE: 21
(1) ALL METHANE EMISSIONS DATA OBTAINED THROUG H AIRPLANE 22
OBSERVATIONS ; AND 23
(2) ANY DISCREPANCIES BET WEEN METHANE EM ISSIONS DATA 24
OBTAINED THROUGH AIR CRAFT OBSERVATIONS A ND GROUND –LEVEL METHANE 25
EMISSIONS DATA REPOR TED BY MUNICIPAL SOL ID WASTE LANDFILLS . 26
2–408. 27
(A) ON SUBJECT TO § 2–409 OF THIS SUBTITLE, ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 28
2024, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS ESTABLIS HING SURFACE 29
METHANE EMISSIONS ST ANDARDS FOR MUNICIPA L SOLID WASTE LANDFI LLS. 30
28 SENATE BILL 528
(B) THE REGULATIONS SHALL BE AT LEAST AS STRIN GENT AS THE 1
CALIFORNIA LANDFILL METHANE REGULATION ADOPTED ON JUNE 17, 2010. 2
2–409. 3
(A) THE DEPARTMENT MAY EXEMPT A MUNICIP AL SOLID WASTE LANDF ILL 4
FROM THE REQUIREMENT S OF § 2–407 OF THIS SUBTITLE AND ANY REGULATIONS 5
ADOPTED UNDER § 2–408 OF THIS SUBTITLE BAS ED ON: 6
(1) ACTUAL SITE EMISSION DATA OR MODELS ; 7
(2) ACTIVITIES SUCH AS VO LUNTARY IMPLEMENTATION OF 8
LANDFILL GAS MANAGEM ENT SYSTEMS BELOW MA NDATORY GAS MANAGEME NT 9
THRESHOLDS ESTABLISH ED UNDER TITLE V OF THE FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT; 10
(3) IMPLEMENTATION OF ORG ANICS COMPOSTING SYS TEMS; 11
(4) IMPLEMENTATION OF ENC LOSED ORGANICS ANAER OBIC 12
DIGESTION WITH GAS CA PTURE THAT OTHERWISE REDUCES GREENHOUSE G ASES; 13
(5) REQUESTS FROM MUNICIP AL SOLID WASTE LANDF ILL 14
OPERATORS TO ACCOMMO DATE THE CONSTRUCTIO N OF NEW RENEWABLE E NERGY 15
FACILITIES ON CLOSED MUNICIPAL SOLID WAST E LANDFILLS; OR 16
(6) OTHER SCIENCE–BASED, EVIDENTIARY EXEMPTIO N REQUESTS. 17
(B) IF THE COST OF MONITO RING OR MEASURING ME THANE EMISSIONS 18
FROM A MUNICIPAL SOL ID WASTE LANDFILL IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE 19
REQUIREMENTS ESTABLI SHED UNDER § 2–407 OR § 2–408 OF THIS SUBTITLE 20
EXCEEDS THE COSTS OF MEASURING OR MONI TORING METHANE EMISS IONS IN 21
ACCORDANCE WITH FEDE RAL REQUIREMENTS , THE STATE SHALL REIMBURSE THE 22
LANDFILL OPERATOR FO R 50% OF THE COST DIFFEREN CE. 23
2–1201. 24
The General Assembly finds that: 25
(4) The State has the ingenuity to reduce the threat of global warming and 26
make greenhouse gas reductions a part of the State’s future by achieving a 25% reduction 27
in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2020 and by preparing a plan to meet a 28
longer–term goal of [reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% from 2006 levels by 29
2050] ACHIEVING NET –ZERO STATEWIDE GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2045 in a 30
manner that promotes new “green” jobs, and protects existing jobs and the State’s economic 31
well–being; 32
SENATE BILL 528 29
2–1204.1. 1
The State shall reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by [40%] 60% from 2006 2
levels by [2030] 2031. 3
2–1205. 4
(a) The State shall develop plans, adopt regulations, and implement programs 5
that reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with this subtitle. 6
(b) On or before [December 31, 2018] JUNE 30, 2023, the Department shall: 7
(1) Submit a proposed plan that reduces statewide greenhouse gas 8
emissions by [40%] 60% from 2006 levels by 2030 2031 to the Governor and General 9
Assembly; 10
(2) Make the proposed plan available to the public; and 11
(3) Convene a series of public workshops to provide interested parties with 12
an opportunity to comment on the proposed plan. 13
(c) (1) The Department shall, on or before December 31, 2012, adopt a final 14
plan that reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from 2006 levels by 2020. 15
(2) The Department shall, on or before December 31, [2019] 2023, adopt a 16
final plan that [reduces]: 17
(I) REDUCES statewide greenhouse gas emissions by [40%] 60% 18
from 2006 levels by 2030 2031; AND 19
(II) SETS THE STATE ON A PATH TOWAR D ACHIEVING NET –ZERO 20
STATEWIDE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2045. 21
(3) [The plans shall be developed in recognition of the finding by the 22
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that developed countries will need to reduce 23
greenhouse gas emissions by between 80% and 95% from 1990 levels by 2050 ] THE 24
DEPARTMENT SHALL : 25
(I) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2030, ADOPT A FINAL PLAN 26
THAT ACHIEVES NET –ZERO STATEWIDE GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2045; AND 27
(II) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2035, REVIEW AND , AS 28
NECESSARY, REVISE THE FINAL PLA N TO ACHIEVE NET –ZERO STATEWIDE GAS 29
EMISSIONS BY 2045. 30
30 SENATE BILL 528
(d) The final plans required under subsection (c) of this section shall include: 1
(1) Adopted regulations that implement all plan measures for which State 2
agencies have existing statutory authority; and 3
(2) A summary of any new legislative authority needed to fully implement 4
the plans and a timeline for seeking legislative authority. 5
(E) A FINAL PLAN DEVELOPED UNDER THIS SECTION : 6
(1) MAY NOT INCLUDE HIGHW AY WIDENING OR ADDIT IONAL ROAD 7
CONSTRUCTION AS A GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION M EASURE; 8
(2) MAY INCLUDE THE USE O F CARBON CAPTURE , ELECTRIC 9
DISTRIBUTION AND TRA NSMISSION INFRA STRUCTURE IMPROVEMEN TS, AND 10
STORAGE TECHNOLOGY A S A GREENHOUSE GAS E MISSION REDUCTION ME ASURE 11
ONLY IF THE TECHNOLO GY HAS BEEN SCIENTIF ICALLY PROVEN TO ACH IEVE 12
VERIFIABLE CARBON RE DUCTIONS; 13
(3) SHALL USE THE GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL FO R METHANE 14
OVER A 20–YEAR TIME HORIZON , AS ACCEPTED IN THE M OST RECENT ASSESSMEN T 15
OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE, IN ESTIMATING THE 16
STATE’S GREENHOUSE GAS EMI SSIONS REDUCTIONS ; 17
(4) SHALL INCLUDE POLICY RECOMMENDATIO NS TO ENSURE THE 18
CONTINUED OPERATION OF MARYLAND’S EXISTING ZERO CARB ON EMISSION 19
ELECTRIC GENERATORS THROUGH CURRENT OPER ATING LICENSES; 20
(4) (5) SHALL INCLUDE SPECIFI C ESTIMATES OF THE 21
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS REDUCTIONS THAT COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH 22
THE EXPANSION OF MAS S TRANSIT OPTIONS ; AND 23
(5) (6) SHALL INCLUDE SPECIFI C ESTIMATES OF THE R EDUCTIONS 24
EXPECTED FROM EACH G REENHOUSE GAS EMISSI ONS REDUCTION MEASUR E 25
INCLUDED IN THE PLAN . 26
[(e)] (F) In developing and adopting a final plan to reduce statewide greenhouse 27
gas emissions, the Department shall consult with State and local agencies as appropriate. 28
[(f)] (G) (1) Unless required by federal law or regulations or existing State 29
law, regulations adopted by State agencies to implement a final plan may not: 30
(i) Require greenhouse gas emissions reductions from the State’s 31
manufacturing sector; or 32
SENATE BILL 528 31
(ii) Cause a significant increase in costs to the State’s manufacturing 1
sector. 2
(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be construed to exempt 3
greenhouse gas emissions sources in the State’s manufacturing sector from the obligation 4
to comply with: 5
(i) Greenhouse gas emissions monitoring, recordkeeping, and 6
reporting requirements for which the Department had existing authority under § 2–301(a) 7
of this title on or before October 1, 2009; or 8
(ii) Greenhouse gas emissions reductions required of the 9
manufacturing sector as a result of the State’s implementation of the Regional Greenhouse 10
Gas Initiative. 11
[(g)] (H) A regulation adopted by a State agency for the purpose of reducing 12
greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with this section may not be construed to result in 13
a significant increase in costs to the State’s manufacturing sector unless the source would 14
not incur the cost increase but for the new regulation. 15
2–1206. 16
In developing and implementing the plans required by § 2–1205 of this subtitle, the 17
Department shall: 18
(1) Analyze the feasibility of measures to comply with the greenhouse gas 19
emissions reductions required by this subtitle; 20
(2) Consider the impact on rural communities of any transportation related 21
measures proposed in the plans; 22
(3) Provide that a greenhouse gas emissions source that voluntarily 23
reduces its greenhouse gas emissions before the implementation of this subtitle shall 24
receive appropriate credit for its early voluntary actions; 25
(4) Provide for the use of offset credits generated by alternative compliance 26
mechanisms executed within the State, including carbon sequestration projects, to achieve 27
compliance with greenhouse gas emissions reductions required by this subtitle; 28
(5) Ensure that the plans do not decrease the likelihood of reliable and 29
affordable electrical service and statewide fuel supplies; 30
(6) Consider whether the measures would result in an increase in 31
electricity costs to consumers in the State; 32
(7) Consider the impact of the plans on the ability of the State to: 33
32 SENATE BILL 528
(i) Attract, expand, and retain commercial aviation services; and 1
(ii) Conserve, protect, and retain agriculture; [and] 2
(8) Ensure that the greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures 3
implemented in accordance with the plans: 4
(i) Are implemented in an efficient and cost–effective manner; 5
(ii) Do not disproportionately impact rural or low–income, low– to 6
moderate–income, or minority communities or any other particular class of electricity 7
ratepayers; 8
(iii) Minimize leakage; 9
(iv) Are quantifiable, verifiable, and enforceable; 10
(v) Directly cause no loss of existing jobs in the manufacturing 11
sector; 12
(vi) Produce a net economic benefit to the State’s economy and a net 13
increase in jobs in the State, AS COMPARED WITH A N O–ACTION SCENARIO ; and 14
(vii) Encourage new employment opportunities in the State related to 15
energy conservation, alternative energy supply, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction 16
technologies, PARTICULARLY IN AREA S OF THE STATE EXPERIENCING LOW RATES OF 17
EMPLOYMENT OR HIGH C ONCENTRATIONS OF POV ERTY A COMBINATION OF URB AN 18
HEAT, AND CLIMATE CHANGE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JU STICE IMPACTS; 19
(9) INCORPORATE TOP –DOWN METHANE EMISSIO NS DATA ACQUIRED 20
THROUGH AIRCRAFT OBS ERVATIONS; AND 21
(10) USE THE BEST AVAILABL E SCIENTIFIC INFORMA TION, AS 22
INCLUDED IN THE MOST RECENT ASSESSMENTS A ND REPORTS OF THE 23
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE. 24
2–1210. 25
On review of the study required under § 2–1207 of this subtitle, and the reports 26
required under § 2–1211 of this subtitle, the General Assembly: 27
(1) May act to maintain, revise, or eliminate the [40%] greenhouse gas 28
emissions [reduction] REDUCTIONS required under [§ 2–1204.1] §§ 2–1204.1 AND 29
2–1204.2 of this subtitle; and 30
SENATE BILL 528 33
(2) Shall consider whether to continue the special manufacturing 1
provisions in § 2–1205(f)(1) of this subtitle. 2
2–1303. 3
(a) The Commission shall establish: 4
(1) A Scientific and Technical Working Group; 5
(2) A Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Working Group; 6
(3) An Adaptation and Response Working Group; [and] 7
(4) An Education, Communication, and Outreach Working Group; AND 8
(5) SUBJECT TO § 2–1303.1 OF THIS SUBTITLE , A JUST TRANSITION 9
EMPLOYMENT AND RETRAINING WORKING GROUP; 10
(6) SUBJECT TO § 2–1303.2 OF THIS SUBTITLE, AN ENERGY INDUSTRY 11
REVITALIZATION WORKING GROUP; 12
(7) SUBJECT TO § 2–1303.3 OF THIS SUBTITLE , AN ENERGY 13
RESILIENCE AND EFFICIENCY WORKING GROUP; AND 14
(8) SUBJECT TO § 2–1303.4 OF THIS SUBTITLE , A SOLAR 15
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS RECOVERY, REUSE, AND RECYCLING WORKING GROUP. 16
2–1303.1. 17
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “WORKING GROUP” MEANS THE JUST TRANSITION 18
EMPLOYMENT AND RETRAINING WORKING GROUP OF THE COMMISSION. 19
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL ESTA BLISH A JUST TRANSITION 20
EMPLOYMENT AND RETRAINING WORKING GROUP. 21
(C) THE WORKING GROUP SHALL INCLUDE : 22
(1) TWO MEMBERS OF THE SENATE OF MARYLAND, APPOINTED BY 23
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; 24
(2) TWO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY 25
THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 26
(3) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 27
34 SENATE BILL 528
(4) THE SECRETARY OF LABOR, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 1
(5) THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION , OR THE SECRETARY’S 2
DESIGNEE; 3
(6) ONE ELECTRICAL WORKER , SELECTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL 4
BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS; 5
(6) (7) ONE CONSTRUCTION LABO RER, SELECTED BY THE 6
BALTIMORE WASHINGTON LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL; 7
(7) (8) TWO REPRESENTATIVES O F THE BUILDING AND 8
CONSTRUCTION TRADE I NDUSTRY, SELECTED BY THE BALTIMORE–DC METRO 9
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL; 10
(8) (9) FOUR LABOR REPRESENTA TIVES, THREE SELECTED BY THE 11
MARYLAND STATE AFL–CIO AND ONE SELECTED BY THE MID–ATLANTIC PIPE 12
TRADES ASSOCIATION; 13
(9) (10) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENC Y 14
INDUSTRY, SELECTED BY THE SECRETARY; 15
(10) (11) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MARYLAND CHAPTER OF 16
THE SIERRA CLUB, SELECTED BY THE MARYLAND CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB; 17
TWO REPRESENTATIVES O F ENVIRONMENTAL ORGA NIZATIONS, SELECTED BY THE 18
GOVERNOR; 19
(11) (12) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SOLAR ENERGY IND USTRY, 20
SELECTED BY THE MARYLAND–DC–DELAWARE–VIRGINIA SOLAR ENERGY 21
INDUSTRIES CHESAPEAKE SOLAR AND STORAGE ASSOCIATION; 22
(12) (13) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WIND ENERGY INDU STRY, 23
SELECTED BY THE AMERICAN WIND ENERGY CLEAN POWER ASSOCIATION; 24
(13) (14) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GEOTHERMAL ENERG Y 25
INDUSTRY SELECTED BY THE MARYLAND GEOTHERMAL ASSOCIATION; 26
(13) (14) (15) TWO REPRESENTATIVES O F REGISTERED 27
APPRENTICESHIP SPONS ORS, ONE SELECTED BY THE MARYLAND CHAPTERS OF THE 28
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS AND ONE S ELECTED BY THE 29
BALTIMORE–DC METRO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL; 30
(14) (15) (16) ONE COMMUNITY COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE , 31
SELECTED BY THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES; 32 SENATE BILL 528 35
(15) (16) (17) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WH O IS A VETERAN , 1
SELECTED BY THE MARYLAND MILITARY COALITION; 2
(16) (17) (18) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WH O IS A FORMERLY 3
INCARCERATED INDIVID UAL, SELECTED BY THE LEGAL ACTION CENTER NATIONAL 4
H.I.R.E. NETWORKS; 5
(17) (18) (19) TWO AT–LARGE REPRESENTATIVE S WHO ARE WOMEN 6
IN AFFECTED INDUSTRI ES, SELECTED BY THE GOVERNOR; AND 7
(18) (19) (20) TWO REPRESENTATIVES S ELECTED BY THE 8
MARYLAND STATE CHAPTER OF THE NAACP; 9
(20) (21) ONE HEATING OIL OR PR OPANE DISTRIBUTOR IN THE 10
STATE, SELECTED BY THE SECRETARY; 11
(21) (22) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC 12
UTILITIES, SELECTED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; AND 13
(22) (23) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF INVESTOR–OWNED UTILITIES , 14
SELECTED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION. 15
(D) THE SECRETARY SHALL DESIGNA TE THE CHAIR OF THE WORKING 16
GROUP. 17
(E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE WORKING GROUP. 18
(F) A MEMBER OF THE WORKING GROUP: 19
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE 20
WORKING GROUP; BUT 21
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR EX PENSES UNDER THE 22
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET . 23
(G) THE WORKING GROUP SHALL: 24
(1) ADVISE THE COMMISSION ON ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FO R 25
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMEN T AND TRAINING RELAT ED TO ENERGY EFFICI ENCY 26
MEASURES, RENEWABLE ENERGY , AND OTHER CLEAN ENER GY TECHNOLOGIES , 27
WITH SPECIFIC FOCUS ON TRAINING AND WORK FORCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR: 28
36 SENATE BILL 528
(I) SEGMENTS OF THE POPUL ATION THAT MAY BE 1
UNDERREPRESENTED IN THE CLEAN ENERGY WOR KFORCE, SUCH AS VETERANS , 2
WOMEN, AND FORMERLY INCARCER ATED INDIVIDUALS ; AND 3
(II) DISLOCATED WORKERS AF FECTED BY THE DOWNSI ZING OF 4
FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRI ES; 5
(2) IDENTIFY: 6
(I) ENERGY–INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES AND RELATED TRADES ; 7
(II) SITES OF ELECTRIC GEN ERATING FACILITIES T HAT MAY BE 8
CLOSED AS A RESULT O F A TRANSITION TO RE NEWABLE ENERGY SOURC ES; 9
(III) SECTOR–SPECIFIC IMPACTS OF THE STATE’S GREENHOUSE 10
GAS EMISSIONS REDUCT ION PLAN ON THE STATE’S CURRENT WORKFORCE ; 11
(IV) AVENUES TO MAXIMIZE T HE SKILLS AND EXPERT ISE OF 12
MARYLAND WORKERS IN THE NE W ENERGY ECONOMY ; 13
(V) CHALLENGES AND OPPORT UNITIES RELATED TO 14
MINIMIZING ADVERSE E MPLOYMENT AND FINANC IAL IMPACTS ON DISPL ACED 15
WORKERS AND THEIR CO MMUNITIES THROUGH EN VIRONMENTAL POLICIES 16
CONDITIONED ON THE F AIR DISTRIBUTION OF COSTS AND BENEFITS ; AND 17
(VI) RESOURCES NECESS ARY TO PROTECT WORKE RS FROM 18
ECONOMIC INSECURITY , INCLUDING OPTIONS FO R MAINTAINING OR 19
SUPPLEMENTING RETIRE MENT AND HEALTH CARE BENEFITS FOR DISLOCA TED 20
WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE DOWNSIZING OF FO SSIL FUEL INDUSTRIES ; 21
(3) ADVISE THE COMMISSION ON THE POT ENTIAL IMPACTS OF 22
CARBON LEAKAGE RISKS ON MARYLAND INDUSTRIES A ND LOCAL HOST 23
COMMUNITIES , INCLUDING THE IMPACT OF ANY POTENTIAL GRE ENHOUSE GAS 24
EMISSIONS REDUCTION MEASURES ON THE COMP ETITIVENESS OF MARYLAND 25
BUSINESSES AND INDUS TRY; AND 26
(4) CONDUCT A STUDY OF: 27
(I) THE NUMBER OF JOBS CR EATED TO COUNTER CLI MATE 28
CHANGE IMPACTS, INCLUDING IN THE ENE RGY SECTOR , BUILDING SECTOR , 29
TRANSPORTATION SECTO R, AND WORKING LANDS SE CTOR; 30
SENATE BILL 528 37
(II) THE PROJECTED INVENTO RY OF JOBS NEEDED AN D SKILLS 1
AND TRAINING REQUIRE D TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND F OR JOBS TO COUNTER 2
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS; 3
(III) WORKFORCE DISRUPTION DUE TO COMMUNITY CHA NGES 4
CAUSED BY THE TRANSI TION TO A LOW–CARBON ECONOMY ; AND 5
(IV) STRATEGIES FOR TARGET ING WORKFORCE DEVELO PMENT 6
AND JOB CREATION IN FENCELINE COMMUNITIES THA T HAVE HISTORICALLY BORNE 7
THE BRUNT OF HOSTING CARBON POLLUTERS . 8
(H) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2023, THE WORKING GROUP SHALL 9
REPORT TO THE COMMISSION AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE 10
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY 11
REQUIRED UNDER SUBSE CTION (G)(4) OF THIS SECTION. 12
2–1303.2. 13
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “WORKING GROUP” MEANS THE ENERGY INDUSTRY 14
REVITALIZATION WORKING GROUP OF THE COMMISSION. 15
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL ESTA BLISH AN ENERGY INDUSTRY 16
REVITALIZATION WORKING GROUP. 17
(C) THE WORKING GROUP SHALL INCLUDE : 18
(1) ONE MEMBER OF THE SENATE OF MARYLAND, APPOINTED BY THE 19
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; 20
(2) ONE MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY THE 21
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 22
(3) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 23
(4) THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, OR THE SECRETARY’S 24
DESIGNEE; 25
(5) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF 26
INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, SELECTED BY THE STATE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL 27
FEDERATION OF INDEPENDEN T BUSINESS; 28
(6) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MARYLAND CHAMBER OF 29
COMMERCE, SELECTED BY THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE MARYLAND CHAMBER 30
OF COMMERCE; 31 38 SENATE BILL 528
(7) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MARYLAND SMALL BUSINESS 1
DEVELOPMENT CENTER, SELECTED BY THE REGI ONAL DIRECTOR S OF THE 2
MARYLAND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER; AND 3
(8) SIX REPRESENTATIVES O F THE ENERGY INDUSTR Y, INCLUDING: 4
(I) TWO REPRESENTATIVES S ELECTED BY THE SECRETARY; 5
(II) TWO REPRESENTATIVES S ELECTED BY THE PUBLIC 6
SERVICE COMMISSION; AND 7
(III) TWO REPRESENTATIVES S ELECTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF 8
THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION . 9
(D) THE SECRETARY SHALL DESIG NATE THE CHAIR OF TH E WORKING 10
GROUP. 11
(E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE WORKING GROUP. 12
(F) A MEMBER OF THE WORKING GROUP: 13
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE 14
WORKING GROUP; BUT 15
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE 16
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 17
(G) THE WORKING GROUP SHALL: 18
(1) ADVISE THE COMMISSION ON ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 19
RELATED TO SMALL BUS INESS REVITALIZATION AND THE TRANSITION T O 20
RENEWABLE ENERGY ’S EFFECTS ON SMALL B USINESSES; 21
(2) CONDUCT A STUDY OF TH E IMPACTS OF TRANSIT IONING TO 22
RENEWABLE ENERGY ; AND 23
(3) INCLUDE IN THE STUD Y: 24
(I) THE NUMBER OF SMALL B USINESSES IMPACTED B Y THE 25
TRANSITION TO RENEWA BLE ENERGY; 26
(II) THE PROJECTED COST OF TRANSITIONING EXISTI NG SMALL 27
BUSINESSES TO RENEWA BLE ENERGY; 28 SENATE BILL 528 39
(III) THE ECONOMIC IMPACT O F THE TRANSITION TO 1
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND NEW ENERGY SOURCES , INCLUDING SUPPLY CHA IN 2
IMPACTS; 3
(IV) AN ANALYSIS THAT IDEN TIFIES ENERGY GENERA TING 4
FACILITIES THAT MAY CLOSE AS A RESULT OF A TRANSITION TO RENE WABLE 5
ENERGY, INCLUDING ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES RELATE D TO REPURPOSING THE 6
SITES; AND 7
(V) AN ANALYSIS THAT IDEN TIFIES OR ESTIMATES , TO THE 8
EXTENT PRACTICABLE : 9
1. THE TIMING AND LOCATI ON OF FACILITY CLOSU RES 10
AND LAYOFFS IN NONRE NEWABLE ENERGY INDUS TRIES; 11
2. THE IMPACT OF FACILIT Y CLOSURES AND LAYOF FS ON 12
AFFECTED WORKERS , BUSINESSES, AND COMMUNITIES ; AND 13
3. HOW THE COMMISSION CAN MOST E FFECTIVELY 14
RESPOND TO THE IMPAC T OF FACILITY CLOSUR ES AND LAYOFFS , INCLUDING THE 15
POTENTIAL TO: 16
A. COMPENSATE BUSINESSES THAT CLOSED DUE TO T HE 17
EFFECTS OF THE TRANS ITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY; AND 18
B. INCENTIVIZE BUSINESSE S TO TRANSITION TO 19
RENEWABLE ENERGY THR OUGH SUBSIDIES . 20
(H) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2023, THE WORKING GROUP SHALL 21
REPORT TO THE COMMISSION AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE 22
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE FINDI NGS OF THE STUDY 23
REQUIRED UNDER SUBSE CTION (G) OF THIS SECTION. 24
2–1303.3. 25
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “WORKING GROUP” MEANS THE ENERGY RESILIENCE 26
AND EFFICIENCY WORKING GROUP OF THE COMMISSION. 27
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL ESTA BLISH AN ENERGY RESILIENCE AND 28
EFFICIENCY WORKING GROUP. 29
(C) THE WORKING GROUP SHALL INCLUDE : 30
40 SENATE BILL 528
(1) ONE MEMBER OF THE SENATE OF MARYLAND, APPOINTED BY THE 1
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; 2
(2) ONE MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY THE 3
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 4
(3) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 5
(4) THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION ; 6
(5) THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NUCLEAR ENERG Y INDUSTRY, 7
SELECTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION ; 8
(6) THREE REPRE SENTATIVES OF THE EN ERGY TRANSMISSION 9
INFRASTRUCTURE INDUS TRY, SELECTED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; 10
AND 11
(7) THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ENERGY STORAG E AND BACKUP 12
INDUSTRY, SELECTED BY THE SECRETARY. 13
(D) THE SECRETARY SHALL DESIG NATE THE CHAIR OF THE WORKING 14
GROUP. 15
(E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE WORKING GROUP. 16
(F) A MEMBER OF THE WORKING GROUP: 17
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE 18
WORKING GROUP; BUT 19
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE 20
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 21
(G) THE WORKING GROUP SHALL: 22
(1) ADVISE THE COMMISSION ON ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 23
RELATED TO ENERGY IN FRASTRUCTURE IMPROVE MENTS, TRANSMISSION 24
EFFICIENCY IMPROVEME NTS, AND BATTERY BAC KUP VIABILITY; AND 25
(2) CONDUCT A STUDY OF : 26
(I) METHODS FOR THE STATE TO ENCOURAGE EL ECTRICITY 27
STORAGE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ; 28
SENATE BILL 528 41
(II) METHODS OF INCREASING THE SECURITY OF THE 1
ELECTRICITY GRID BY SUPPORTING DISTRIBUT ED RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS 2
AND ENERGY STORAGE WITH TH E POTENTIAL TO SUPPL Y ELECTRIC ENERGY TO 3
CRITICAL FACILITIES DURING A WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGE ; 4
(III) POTENTIAL ELECTRIC GR ID DISTRIBUTION 5
TRANSFORMATION PROJE CTS; 6
(IV) THE POTENTIAL TO DEVE LOP CLEAN ENERGY RES OURCES 7
ON PREVIOUS LY DEVELOPED PROJECT SITES; AND 8
(V) THE LIFESPAN AND VIAB ILITY OF ENERGY FACI LITIES IN 9
THE STATE THAT DO NOT EMI T GREENHOUSE GAS , INCLUDING: 10
1. SOLAR ENERGY GENERATI NG FACILITIES; 11
2. NUCLEAR ENERGY GENERA TING FACILITIES; 12
3. WIND ENERGY GENERATING FACILITIE S; 13
4. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY GEN ERATING FACILITIES ; 14
5. HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATING FACILITIE S; 15
AND 16
6. BIOFUEL ENERGY GENERA TING FACILITIES. 17
(H) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2023, THE WORKING GROUP SHALL 18
REPORT TO THE COMMISSION AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE 19
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE FINDI NGS OF THE STUDY 20
REQUIRED UNDER SUBSE CTION (G)(2) OF THIS SECTION. 21
2–1303.4. 22
(A) IN THIS SECTION , “WORKING GROUP” MEANS THE SOLAR 23
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS RECOVERY, REUSE, AND RECYCLING WORKING GROUP 24
OF THE COMMISSION. 25
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL ESTA BLISH A SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS 26
RECOVERY, REUSE, AND RECYCLING WORKING GROUP. 27
(C) THE WORKING GROUP SHALL INCLUDE : 28
42 SENATE BILL 528
(1) ONE MEMBER OF THE SENATE OF MARYLAND, APPOINTED BY THE 1
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; 2
(2) ONE MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY THE 3
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 4
(3) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 5
(4) THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION , 6
OR THE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 7
(5) THE SECRETARY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 8
DESIGNEE; 9
(6) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, 10
SELECTED BY THE CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION; 11
(7) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CHESAPEAKE CLIMATE ACTION 12
NETWORK, SELECTED BY THE CHESAPEAKE CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK; 13
(8) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS , APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR: 14
(I) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC 15
COMPANY WITH CUSTOME RS IN THE STATE; 16
(II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UTILITY–SCALE SOLAR 17
INDUSTRY; 18
(III) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY SOLAR ENERGY 19
INDUSTRY; 20
(IV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DISTRIBUTED GENE RATION 21
SOLAR INDUSTRY ; 22
(V) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WI TH EXPERTISE IN SOLA R 23
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS RECOVERY, REUSE, AND RECYCLING; AND 24
(VI) ONE INDIVIDUAL WITH E XPERTISE IN DECOMMIS SIONING 25
ENERGY–RELATED PROJECTS ; AND 26
(9) ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFIED BY THE COMMISSION. 27
(D) THE SECRETARY SHALL DESIG NATE THE CHAIR OF TH E WORKING 28
GROUP. 29 SENATE BILL 528 43
(E) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE STAFF FOR TH E WORKING GROUP. 1
(F) A MEMBER OF THE WORKING GROUP: 2
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE 3
WORKING GROUP; BUT 4
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE 5
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET. 6
(G) THE WORKING GROUP SHALL: 7
(1) REVIEW SOLAR PHOTOVOL TAIC SYSTEMS CURRENT LY USED IN 8
THE STATE, INCLUDING: 9
(I) EXAMINING THE EXPECTE D ECONOMICALLY PRODU CTIVE 10
LIFE CYCLE OF THE SY STEMS; 11
(II) REVIEWING THE MATERIA LS THAT ARE USED, HAVE BEEN 12
USED, OR MAY BE USED IN SO LAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYS TEMS SOLD IN THE STATE, 13
INCLUDING IDENTIFYIN G MATERIALS THAT CAN BE RECYCLED OR THAT EXHIBIT ANY 14
CHARACTERISTICS OF H AZARDOUS WASTE UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW ; AND 15
(III) IDENTIFYING THE NUMB ER OF SOLAR PHOTOVOL TAIC 16
SYSTEMS IN USE AND E STIMATING THE POTENT IAL IMPACTS ON THE STATE’S 17
LANDFILL CAPACITY OF DISPOSING THE SYSTEM S IN THE STATE’S LANDFILLS; 18
(2) REVIEW OTHER PROGRAMS ON SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAI C SYSTEMS 19
RECYCLING, DISPOSAL, AND DECOMMISSI ONING; 20
(3) IDENTIFY ONGOING AND RECENT STUDIES RELAT ED TO SOLAR 21
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS RECYCLING, LIFE–CYCLE ANALYSIS , AND END–OF–LIFE 22
PROGRAMS; 23
(4) REVIEW INDUSTRY –APPROVED BEST PRACTI CES FOR MANAGING 24
END–OF–LIFE SOLAR PHOTOVOLT AIC SYSTEMS AND THEI R COMPONENTS , 25
INCLUDING THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS MAY B E: 26
(I) IF NOT DAMAGED OR IN NEED OF REPAIR , REUSED FOR A 27
SIMILAR PURPOSE ; 28
(II) IF NOT SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED, REFURBISHED AND 29
REUSED FOR A SIMILAR PURPOSE; 30 44 SENATE BILL 528
(III) RECYCLED AND THE COMPONENTS R ECOVERED FOR REUSE ; 1
(IV) FOR COMPONENTS THAT D O NOT EXHIBIT ANY 2
CHARACTERISTICS OF H AZARDOUS WASTE UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW , SAFELY 3
DISPOSED OF IN A CON STRUCTION AND DEMOLI TION OR MUNICIPAL SO LID WASTE 4
LANDFILL; AND 5
(V) FOR COMPONENTS THAT EXHIBI T ANY CHARACTERISTIC S 6
OF HAZARDOUS WASTE U NDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW , SAFELY DISPOSED OF I N 7
ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REQ UIREMENTS; 8
(5) PERFORM AN ECONOMIC A NALYSIS TO DETERMINE THE 9
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC S YSTEMS RECOVERY , REUSE, AND 10
RECYCLING ON RATEPAY ERS, INCLUDING A COMPARIS ON TO THE ECONOMIC I MPACT 11
ON RATEPAYERS OF DEC OMMISSIONING , STORING WASTE , AND OTHER COSTS 12
ASSOCIATED WITH THE END OF LIFE OF OTHER FORMS OF ENERGY GENE RATION; 13
(6) PERFORM AN IMPACT AS SESSMENT TO EXAMINE THE 14
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT S OF VARIOUS SOLAR P HOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS ’ 15
END–OF–LIFE SCENARIOS, INCLUDING THE SCENAR IOS SPECIFIED UNDER ITEM (4) 16
OF THIS SUBSECTION , COMPARED TO THE LIFE –CYCLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF 17
NONSOLAR ENERGY GENE RATION SOURCES IN THE STATE, INCLUDING THE 18
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT S OF DECOMMISSIONING , DISPOSAL, AND LONG–TERM 19
WASTE STORAGE ; 20
(7) PERFORM AN IMPACT ASS ESSMENT TO EXAMINE T HE 21
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EC ONOMIC BENEFITS OF G ENERATING ENERGY FRO M SOLAR 22
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS, INCLUDING A COMPARIS ON TO THE ENVIRONMEN TAL AND 23
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF NONSOLAR ENERGY GENE RATION SOURCES IN TH E STATE; 24
(8) EXAMINE AND RECOMMEND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDE D TO 25
DEVELOP A PRACTICAL , EFFECTIVE, AND COST –EFFICIENT METHOD FOR 26
COLLECTING AN D TRANSPORTING END –OF–LIFE SOLAR PHOTOVOLT AIC MODULES 27
FOR REUSE, REFURBISHMENT , RECYCLING, OR DISPOSAL; 28
(9) ANALYZE WHETHER FINAN CING MECHANISMS , INCLUDING 29
ADVANCE RECOVERY FEE S, RECYCLING AND DISPOS AL FEES, AND PRODUCT 30
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS , ARE NECESS ARY TO ENSURE PROPER END–OF–LIFE 31
MANAGEMENT OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS ; AND 32
(10) RECOMMEND FINANCING M ECHANISMS ANALYZED U NDER ITEM 33
(9) OF THIS SUBSECTION T HAT BEST SUPPORT A C IRCULAR ECONOMY APPR OACH. 34
SENATE BILL 528 45
(H) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2023, THE WORKING GROUP SHALL 1
REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMISSION AND , IN 2
ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL 3
ASSEMBLY. 4
2–1304. 5
(A) On or before November 15 of each year, the Commission shall report to the 6
Governor and General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government 7
Article, on the status of the State’s efforts to mitigate the causes of, prepare for, and adapt 8
to the consequences of climate change, including future plans and recommendations for 9
legislation, if any, to be considered by the General Assembly. 10
(B) THE REPORT DUE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 15, 2023, AND EACH 11
SUBSEQUENT REPORT SH ALL INCLUDE AN ANALY SIS, PREPARED BY THE 12
DEPARTMENT , OF: 13
(1) THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF STATE MONEY SPENT ON MEASURES TO 14
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GA SES AND , TO THE EXTENT PRACTI CABLE, 15
CO–POLLUTANTS , DURING THE IMMEDIATE LY PRECEDING FISCAL YEAR; AND 16
(2) THE PERCENTAGE OF THA T FUNDING THAT BENEF ITED 17
DISPROPORTIONATELY A FFECTED COMMUNITIES IDENTIFI ED ACCORDING TO THE 18
METHODOLOGY ADOPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER § 1–702 OF THIS ARTICLE. 19
2–1305. 20
(a) (1) Each State agency shall review its planning, regulatory, and fiscal 21
programs to identify and recommend actions to more fully integrate the consideration of 22
Maryland’s greenhouse gas reduction goal and the impacts of climate change. 23
(2) The review shall include the consideration of: 24
(i) Sea level rise; 25
(ii) Storm surges and flooding; 26
(iii) Increased precipitation and temperature; and 27
(iv) Extreme weather events. 28
(b) Each State agency shall identify and recommend specific policy, planning, 29
regulatory, and fiscal changes to existing programs that do not currently support the State’s 30
greenhouse gas reduction efforts or address climate change. 31
46 SENATE BILL 528
(c) (1) The following State agencies shall report annually on the status of 1
programs that support the State’s greenhouse gas reduction efforts or address climate 2
change, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Commission 3
and the Governor: 4
(i) The Department; 5
(ii) The Department of Agriculture; 6
(iii) The Department of General Services; 7
(iv) The Department of Housing and Community Development; 8
(v) The Department of Natural Resources; 9
(vi) The Department of Planning; 10
(vii) The Department of Transportation; 11
(viii) The Maryland Energy Administration; 12
(ix) The Maryland Insurance Administration; 13
(x) The Public Service Commission; and 14
(xi) The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. 15
(2) The report required in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include: 16
(i) Program descriptions and objectives; 17
(ii) Implementation milestones, whether or not they have been met; 18
(iii) Enhancement opportunities; 19
(iv) Funding; 20
(v) Challenges; 21
(vi) Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions, by program, for 22
the prior calendar year; and 23
(vii) Any other information that the agency considers relevant. 24
SENATE BILL 528 47
(D) EACH STATE AGENCY , WHEN CONDUCTING LONG –TERM PLANNING , 1
DEVELOPING POLICY , AND DRAFTING REGULAT IONS, SHALL TAKE INTO 2
CONSIDERATION THE CONSIDERATION : 3
(1) THE LIKELY CLIMATE IMPAC T OF THE AGENCY ’S DECISIONS 4
RELATIVE TO MARYLAND’S GREENHOUSE GAS EMI SSIONS REDUCTION GOA LS; AND 5
(2) THE LIKELY IMPACT OF THE AGENCY ’S DECISIONS ON 6
DISPROPORTIONATELY A FFECTED COMMUNITIES IDENTIFIED ACCORDING TO THE 7
METHODOLOGY ADOPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER § 1–702 OF THIS ARTICLE. 8
2–1501. 9
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 10
(b) “Fund” means the Zero–Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Fund. 11
(c) “Program” means the Zero–Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Grant 12
Program. 13
(d) “Zero–emission vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 23–206.4 of the 14
Transportation Article. 15
2–1505. 16
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “INCREMENTAL COSTS ” MEANS: 17
(1) IN THE CASE OF A CONT RACT FOR THE PURCHAS E OF SCHOOL 18
BUSES, THE COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PURCHASING A ND OPERATING SCHOOL 19
BUSES THAT ARE ZERO –EMISSION VEHICLES AN D SCHOOL BUSES THAT ARE 20
DIESEL–POWERED VEHICLES ; AND 21
(2) IN THE CASE OF A CONT RACT FOR THE USE OF SCHOOL BUSES , 22
THE COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONTRACTING FOR THE USE OF SCHOO L BUSES 23
THAT ARE ZERO –EMISSION VEHICLES AND SCHOOL BUSES THA T ARE 24
DIESEL–POWERED VEHICLES . 25
(B) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION, BEGINNING 26
IN FISCAL YEAR 2024 2025, A COUNTY BOARD OF ED UCATION MAY NOT ENTE R INTO 27
A NEW CONTRACT FOR THE FOR: 28
(1) THE PURCHASE OR USE OF ANY SCHOOL BUS TH AT IS NOT A 29
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLE ; OR 30
48 SENATE BILL 528
(2) THE USE OF ANY SCHOOL BUS THAT IS NOT A ZE RO–EMISSION 1
VEHICLE, UNLESS THE SCHOOL BU S HAS AN IN–SERVICE DATE OF JULY 1, 2024, OR 2
BEFORE. 3
(C) THE REQUIREMENTS OF S UBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECT ION DO NOT 4
APPLY IF: 5
(1) THE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES THAT NO AVAILABLE 6
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLE MEE TS THE PERFORMANCE R EQUIREMENTS FOR THE 7
COUNTY BOARD ’S USE; OR 8
(2) THE COUNTY BOARD IS U NABLE TO OBTAIN FEDE RAL, STATE, OR 9
PRIVATE FUNDING SUFF ICIENT TO COVER THE INCREMENTAL COSTS ASSOCIATED 10
WITH CONTRACTING FOR THE PURCHASE OR USE OF SCHOOL BUSES THAT ARE 11
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES . 12
(D) A COUNTY BOARD MAY ENT ER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH AN ELECTRIC 13
COMPANY TO OBTAIN MO NETARY INCENTIVES IN EXCHANGE FOR ALLOWIN G THE 14
ELECTRIC COMPANY TO USE THE STORAGE BATT ERIES OF ZERO–EMISSION BUSES 15
OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE COUNTY BOARD TO ACCESS THE STORED 16
ELECTRICITY THROUGH VEHICLE–TO–GRID TECHNOLOGY . 17
(E) THE DEPARTMENT , IN CONSULTATION WITH OTHER APPROPRIATE 18
STATE AGENCIE S, SHALL WORK WITH THE COUNTY BOARDS AND PR IVATE SCHOOL 19
BUS CONTRACTORS TO D EVELOP ELECTRIC VEHI CLE INFRASTRUCTURE S UFFICIENT 20
TO SUPPORT SCHOOL BU SES THAT ARE ZERO –EMISSION VEHICLES . 21
(F) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PRIO RITIZE THE USE OF AV AILABLE 22
FEDERAL FUNDIN G TO CARRY OUT THIS SECTION. 23
SUBTITLE 16. BUILDING EMISSIONS ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. 24
2–1601. 25
(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 26
INDICATED. 27
(B) (1) “AGRICULTURAL BUILDING ” MEANS A STRUCTURE TH AT IS USED 28
PRIMARILY TO CULTIVA TE, MANUFACTURE , PROCESS, OR PRODUCE AGRICULTU RAL 29
CROPS, RAW MATERIALS , PRODUCTS, OR COMMODITIES . 30
(2) “AGRICULTURAL BUILDING ” INCLUDES A GREENHOUS E. 31
SENATE BILL 528 49
(B) (C) “BUILDING” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN THE INTERNATIONAL 1
BUILDING CODE. 2
(D) “COMMERCIAL BUILDING ” MEANS A BUILDING THA T IS SUBJECT TO THE 3
COMMERCIAL PROVISION S OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION 4
CODE. 5
(C) (E) (1) “COVERED BUILDING ” MEANS A BUILDING THAT : 6
(I) 1. IS A COMMERCIAL OR MULTIF AMILY RESIDENTIAL 7
BUILDING IN THE STATE THAT HAS; OR 8
2. IS OWNED BY THE STATE; AND 9
(II) HAS A GROSS FLOOR AREA O F 25,000 35,000 SQUARE FEET 10
OR MORE, EXCLUDING THE PARKIN G GARAGE AREA . 11
(2) “COVERED BUILDING ” DOES NOT INCLUDE : 12
(I) A BUILDING DESIGNATED AS A HISTORIC PROPER TY UNDER 13
FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAW ; OR 14
(II) A PUBLIC OR NONPUBLIC ELEMENT ARY OR SECONDARY 15
SCHOOL BUILDING ; OR 16
(III) A MANUFACTURING BUILDI NG; OR 17
(IV) AN AGRICULTURAL BUILDING. 18
(D) (F) “DIRECT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS” MEANS GREENHOUSE 19
GAS EMISSIONS PRODUC ED ON–SITE BY A COVERED BUILDING COVERED BUILDINGS . 20
(G) “DISTRICT ENERGY ” MEANS THERMAL ENERGY GENERATED AT ONE OR 21
MORE CENTRAL FACILIT IES THAT PRODUCE HOT WATER, STEAM, OR CHILLED WATER 22
THAT THEN FLOWS THRO UGH A NETWORK OF INS ULATED UNDERGROUND P IPES TO 23
PROVIDE HOT WATER , SPACE HEATING , AIR CONDITIONING , OR CHILLED WATER TO 24
NEARBY BUILDINGS . 25
Article – Housing and Community Development 26
4–211. 27
(D) (1) (I) IN THIS SUBSECTION TH E FOLLOWING WORDS HA VE THE 28
MEANINGS INDICATED . 29 50 SENATE BILL 528
(II) “COVERED BUILDING ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 1
2–1601 OF THE ENVIRONMENT ARTICLE. 2
(III) “ENERGY CONSERVATION P ROJECT” MEANS A PROJECT 3
THAT QUALIFIES UNDER § 4–218 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 4
(2) FOR THE PURPOSE OF RE DUCING DIRECT GREENH OUSE GAS 5
EMISSIONS FROM MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL B UILDINGS IN ACCORDAN CE WITH 6
THE STANDARDS ADOPTE D UNDER § 2–1602 OF THE ENVIRONMENT ARTICLE, THE 7
ADMINISTRATION SHALL DEVELOP AND IMPLEMEN T A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE 8
GRANTS FOR ENERGY CO NSERVATION PROJECTS AND PROJECTS TO INST ALL 9
RENEWABLE ENERGY GEN ERATING SYSTEMS IN C OVERED BUILDINGS THA T HOUSE 10
PRIMARILY LOW – TO MODERATE –INCOME HOUSEHOLDS . 11
(3) GRANTS PROVIDED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION MAY NOT BE USED 12
FOR A PROJECT TO INSTALL N EW EQUIPMENT THAT US ES FOSSIL FUELS OR 13
IMPROVE THE EFFICIEN CY OF EXISTING EQUIP MENT THAT USES FOSSI L FUELS. 14
(4) IN EACH OF FISCAL YEA RS 2024 THROUGH 2026, THE GOVERNOR 15
SHALL INCLUDE IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL A N APPROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 16
TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE PU RPOSE OF PROVIDING G RANTS UNDER THIS 17
SUBSECTION. 18
(5) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2023, AND EACH DECEMBER 1 19
THEREAFTER , THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN 20
ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNME NT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL 21
ASSEMBLY ON THE PROJE CTS FUNDED UNDER THI S SUBSECTION. 22
Article – Labor and Employment 23
3–416. 24
(A) THIS SECTION APPLIES : 25
(1) TO A PROJECT UNDERTA KEN BY AN INVESTOR –OWNED ELECTRIC 26
COMPANY OR GAS AND E LECTRIC COMPANY THAT : 27
(I) INVOLVES THE CONSTRU CTION, RECONSTRUCTION , 28
INSTALLATION, DEMOLITION, RESTORATION , OR ALTERATION OF ANY ELECTRIC 29
INFRASTRUCTURE OF TH E COMPANY , AND ANY RELATED TRAF FIC CONTROL 30
ACTIVITIES; AND 31
SENATE BILL 528 51
(II) IS FUNDED BY FEDERAL FUNDS TO MEET THE STATE’S 1
POLICY GOALS FOR THE ELEC TRIC DISTRIBUTION SY STEM UNDER TITLE 7, 2
SUBTITLE 8 OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ARTICLE, INCLUDING FUNDS MADE 3
AVAILABLE UNDER § 40101, § 40103, OR § 40107 OF THE FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE 4
INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT; AND 5
(2) ONLY TO THE PORTION OF THE PROJECT SUPPO RTED BY THE 6
FEDERAL FUNDS . 7
(B) AN INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY OR GAS AND ELECTR IC 8
COMPANY SHALL REQUIR E A CONTRACTOR OR SU BCONTRACTOR ON A PRO JECT 9
DESCRIBED IN SUBSECT ION (A) OF THIS SECTION TO : 10
(1) PAY THE AREA PREVAIL ING WAGE FOR EACH TRADE EMPLO YED, 11
INCLUDING WAGES AND FRINGE BENEFITS ; 12
(2) OFFER HEALTH CARE AN D RETIREMENT BENEFIT S TO THE 13
EMPLOYEES WORKING ON THE PROJECT; 14
(3) PARTICIPATE IN AN AP PRENTICESHIP PROGRAM REGISTERED 15
WITH THE STATE FOR EACH TRADE EMPLOYED ON TH E PROJECT; 16
(4) ESTABLISH AND EXECUT E A PLAN FOR OUTREAC H, RECRUITMENT , 17
AND RETENTION OF STATE RESIDENTS TO PE RFORM WORK ON THE PR OJECT, WITH 18
AN ASPIRATIONAL GOAL OF 25% OF TOTAL WORK HOURS PERFORMED BY MARYLAND 19
RESIDENTS, INCLUDING RESIDENTS WHO ARE: 20
(I) RETURNING CITIZENS ; 21
(II) WOMEN; 22
(III) MINORITY INDIVIDUALS ; OR 23
(IV) VETERANS; 24
(5) HAVE BEEN IN COMPLIA NCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE WAGE AND 25
HOUR LAWS FOR THE PR EVIOUS 3 YEARS; 26
(6) BE SUBJECT TO ALL STATE REPORTING AND C OMPLIANCE 27
REQUIREMENTS ; AND 28
(7) MAINTAIN ALL APPROPR IATE LICENSES IN GOO D STANDING. 29
Article – Natural Resources 30 52 SENATE BILL 528
8–1913. 1
(a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. 2
(B) “CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT ” MEANS A PROJECT TO I MPROVE ACCESS TO 3
CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY SOU RCES IN A COMMUNITY DISPROPORTIONATELY 4
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE IMPACTS. 5
(C) “CLIMATE MITIGATION PR OJECT” MEANS A PROJECT TO R EDUCE 6
EMISSIONS OF GREENHO USE GASES AND CO –POLLUTANTS AND MITIG ATE THE 7
HEALTH IMPACTS OF CL IMATE IMPACTS IN A C OMMUNITY DISPROPORTI ONATELY 8
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE IMPACTS. 9
(D) “COMMUNITY DISPROPORTI ONATELY AFFECTED BY CLIMATE IMPACTS ” 10
MEANS A COMMUNITY ID ENTIFIED USING THE M ETHODOLOGY RECOMMEND ED BY 11
THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 12
UNDER § 1–702 OF THE ENVIRONMENT ARTICLE. 13
[(b)] (E) “Corps Board” means the Advisory Board of the Corps Program. 14
[(c)] (F) “Corps Program” means the Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program 15
established under § 8–1914 of this part. 16
[(d)] (G) “Energy conservation project” means a project to promote energy 17
conservation or efficiency, including a project to: 18
(1) Improve energy efficiency of households and public structures through 19
energy audits, weatherization, and other on–site energy conservation measures; 20
(2) Implement clean energy projects in communities to enhance the use of 21
renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and mitigate climate [change] IMPACTS; 22
(3) Implement community greening and urban tree canopy projects that 23
create energy savings; and 24
(4) Assist schools in becoming “green schools” and reducing energy costs. 25
[(e)] (H) “Environmental project” means a project that results in long–term 26
preservation, protection, and conservation of the environment, in areas including 27
environmental restoration, agricultural and forestry, infrastructure, energy conservation, 28
and educational improvements. 29
[(f)] (I) “Qualified organization” means: 30
SENATE BILL 528 53
(1) A nonprofit organization; 1
(2) A school; 2
(3) A community association; 3
(4) A service, youth, or civic group; 4
(5) An institution of higher education; 5
(6) A county or municipality; or 6
(7) A unit of State government. 7
[(g)] (J) “Trust” means the Chesapeake Bay Trust. 8
8–1914. 9
(a) There is a Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program administered by the Trust, 10
in consultation with the Corps Board. 11
(b) The purpose of the Corps Program is to: 12
(1) Promote, preserve, protect, and sustain the environment; 13
(2) Provide young adults with opportunities to become better citizens, 14
students, and workers through meaningful service to their communities and the State; 15
(3) Mobilize, educate, and train youth and young adults to work with 16
communities and schools to promote energy conservation and mitigate and prevent threats 17
to the environment; 18
(4) MOBILIZE, EDUCATE, AND TRAIN YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS TO 19
DEPLOY CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AND MITIG ATE AND PREVENT THE 20
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALT H IMPACTS OF CLIMATE IMPACTS IN COMMUNITI ES 21
DISPROPORTIONATELY A FFECTED BY CLIMATE I MPACTS; 22
(5) ENSURE UNDERSERVED AN D GEOGRAPHICAL CLIMA TE 23
DISPARITIES POPULATI ONS ARE GIVEN ASSIST ANCE NEEDED TO PREPA RE FOR AND 24
ADAPT TO CLIMATE IMP ACTS; 25
[(4)] (6) [Provide opportunities for youth and young adults, especially 26
disadvantaged youth, to be trained for careers that will be part of the emerging field of “green 27
collar” jobs] PROVIDE A GREEN CAREE R LADDER AND OPPORTU NITIES FOR ALL 28
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADUL TS, ESPECIALLY THOSE MOS T AT RISK, TO BE EXPOSED TO 29
AND TRAINED IN THE E NERGY EFFICIENCY , ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC TION, 30 54 SENATE BILL 528
GOVERNMENTAL AND REG ULATORY ADMINISTRATI ON, AND RENEWABLE ENERG Y 1
GENERATION SECTORS ; 2
[(5)] (7) Educate and train communities and individuals for the 3
long–term action needed to continue to promote, preserve, protect, and sustain the 4
environment after a Corps project has been completed; 5
[(6)] (8) Act as a coordinator and facilitator of efforts to foster 6
public–private partnerships in developing “green collar” job opportunities and in enhancing 7
and expanding the workforce available for environmental protection and clean energy 8
industries; and 9
[(7)] (9) Channel available public and private resources to the protection, 10
conservation, and preservation of the environment of the State. 11
8–1915. 12
(a) (1) The purpose of the Corps Board is to advise the Trust in the development 13
and implementation of the Corps Program. 14
(2) The Corps Board consists of the following [11] members: 15
(i) One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the 16
President of the Senate; 17
(ii) One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker 18
of the House; 19
(iii) One member appointed by the Chancellor of the University 20
System of Maryland with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve as a liaison between 21
the Corps Board, the Chancellor, and the Board of Regents; 22
(iv) ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF MORGAN 23
STATE UNIVERSITY, TO SERVE AS A LIAISO N BETWEEN THE CORPS BOARD, THE 24
PRESIDENT, AND THE BOARD OF REGENTS; 25
(V) Three members of the Board of Trustees of the Chesapeake Bay 26
Trust, appointed by the Chair of the Board; and 27
[(v)] (VI) Five members appointed by the Governor with the advice 28
and consent of the Senate, including at least one individual from the nonprofit sector with 29
a background in education and student service and one with a background in workforce 30
development. 31
8–1920. 32
SENATE BILL 528 55
(a) The Corps Program’s projects and activities shall meet an identifiable public 1
need[, with]: 2
(1) WITH specific emphasis on projects that result in long–term 3
preservation, protection, and conservation of the environment, in areas including 4
environmental restoration, agricultural and forestry, infrastructure, and educational 5
improvements; OR 6
(2) WITHIN A COMMUNITY DI SPROPORTIONATELY AFF ECTED BY 7
CLIMATE IMPACTS , WITH SPECIFIC EMPHAS IS ON CLIMATE MITIGA TION AND CLEAN 8
ENERGY PROJECTS THAT RESULT IN LONG–TERM REDUCTIONS TO G REENHOUSE GAS 9
EMISSIONS AND IMPROV EMENTS TO PUBLIC HEA LTH AND THE ENVIRONM ENT. 10
(b) Environmental restoration projects may include: 11
(1) Specific nutrient reduction activities, such as planting of bay grasses 12
and oysters and installing natural shorelines on public spaces; and 13
(2) Working with communities to improve their environmental impacts and 14
activities and to encourage appropriate environmental stewardship. 15
(c) Agricultural and forestry projects may include working with Corps Program 16
volunteers from rural areas of the State in partnership with the agricultural community in 17
projects to prevent or reduce nutrient runoff. 18
(d) Infrastructure projects may include: 19
(1) Improving the energy efficiency of housing for elderly and low–income 20
households; 21
(2) Implementing clean energy projects in communities to enhance the use 22
of renewable energy, including free and low–cost energy audits; and 23
(3) Building or assisting in building infrastru cture to promote 24
environmental education including outdoor classrooms, nature trails, and schoolyard 25
habitats and watershed restoration, stream restoration, rain gardens, and other low–impact 26
development projects. 27
(e) Educational projects may include: 28
(1) Developing interactive environmental education and energy 29
conservation education for elementary and secondary school students and the public; 30
(2) Developing curriculum targeted at training high school students and 31
apprentices to obtain skills necessary to create and implement clean energy projects in their 32
communities and to compete for jobs in the emerging clean energy sector; and 33 56 SENATE BILL 528
(3) Assisting schools to become “green schools” and reduce energy costs 1
through hands–on projects with their students. 2
(f) Energy conservation projects may include the projects defined in § 8–1913(d) 3
of this part. 4
(G) CLIMATE MITIGATION PR OJECTS MAY INCLUDE : 5
(1) PROJECTS TO EXPAND UR BAN TREE CANOPY, IMPLEMENT GREEN 6
ROOFTOPS, AND TAKE OTHER ACTIO NS TO REDUCE URBAN H EAT ISLAND EFFECTS ; 7
AND 8
(2) PROJECTS TO IMPROVE A CCESS TO CLEAN , RELIABLE 9
TRANSPORTATION , INCLUDING THROUGH TH E EXPANSION OF BIKE TRAILS AND 10
PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS . 11
(H) CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS MAY INCLUDE: 12
(1) PROJECTS TO INSTALL R ENEWABLE ENERGY SYST EMS AT 13
LOW–INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AN D SCHOOLS , LIBRARIES, AND OTHER PUBLIC 14
BUILDINGS; 15
(2) PROJECTS TO UNDERTAKE HOLISTIC RETROFITS O F 16
LOW–INCOME HOUSEHOLDS , INCLUDING WEAT HERIZATION AND HEAT PUMP 17
INSTALLATION; AND 18
(3) PROJECTS TO PROVIDE E XPERIENCE IN THE ENE RGY EFFICIENCY, 19
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEC TION, GOVERNMENTAL AND REG ULATORY 20
ADMINISTRATION , AND RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION SECTORS . 21
8–1921. 22
(a) [The] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION, THE 23
Corps Program shall be funded each fiscal year with: 24
(1) The amount specified in § 3–302(d) of this article; and 25
(2) Up to $250,000 in additional funds that may be allocated by the Trust 26
through its annual budget process. 27
(b) The Trust and the Corps Board shall seek federal funds and grants and 28
donations from private sources to be made to the Trust for the purpose of long–term funding 29
of the Corps Program. 30
SENATE BILL 528 57
(C) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND EACH FISCAL YEAR THEREAFT ER, THE 1
GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE ANNUAL BUDG ET BILL AN APPROPRIA TION OF 2
$1,500,000 TO THE TRUST FOR THE CORPS PROGRAM TO IMPLEMENT CLIMATE 3
MITIGATION AND CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS UNDE R § 8–1920 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 4
8–1923.1. 5
(A) THIS SECTION APPLIES TO P ROGRAMS DEVELOPED TO IMPLEMENT 6
CLIMATE MITIGATION A ND CLEAN ENERGY PROJ ECTS UNDER § 8–1920 OF THIS 7
SUBTITLE. 8
(B) (1) THE TRUST AND QUALIFIED O RGANIZATIONS SHALL P RINCIPALLY 9
RECRUIT INDIVIDUALS FOR A MINIMUM 6–MONTH COMMITMENT , WHO, AT THE TIME 10
OF ENROLLMENT , ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD AND UNDER THE AGE OF 26 YEARS. 11
(2) QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIO NS MAY NOT UNDERTAKE A PROJECT IF 12
THE PROJECT WOULD RE PLACE REGULAR WORKER S OR DUPLICATE OR RE PLACE AN 13
EXISTING SERVICE IN THE SAME LOCALITY . 14
(3) A CORPS MEMBER MAY RECE IVE A STIPEND. 15
(4) STIPENDS FOR CORP MEMBERS SHALL IN CLUDE MONETARY 16
PAYMENTS OF AT LEAST $15 PER HOUR. 17
(C) IN DEVELOPING ITS PRO GRAMS AND SEEKING FE DERAL AND STATE 18
GRANTS, THE TRUST AND THE CORPS BOARD SHALL: 19
(1) COORDINATE EFFORTS WITH THE MARYLAND CORPS PROGRAM 20
ESTABLISHED UNDER § 24–1102 OF THE EDUCATION ARTICLE; 21
(2) COORDINATE EFFORTS WI TH THE MARYLAND CONSERVATION 22
CORPS TO ENGAGE YOUNG ADULTS IN CONSERVATI ON SERVICE PROJECTS ; 23
(3) SEEK ASSISTANCE AND A DVICE FROM RELEVANT PUBLIC AN D 24
PRIVATE SOURCES ; AND 25
(4) EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INITIATING A COL LEGE–LEVEL 26
CAMPAIGN TO ENGAGE W ITH COMMUNITY COLLEG ES, HISTORICALLY BLACK 27
COLLEGES AND UNIVERS ITIES, AND OTHER INSTITUTIO NS OF HIGHER EDUCATI ON 28
IN THE STATE. 29
(D) IN DEVELOPING CLEAN E NERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND EDUCATIONAL 30
PROGRAMS, THE TRUST AND THE CORPS BOARD SHALL SEEK ASSI STANCE FROM AND 31 58 SENATE BILL 528
COOPERATE WITH THE MARYLAND CLEAN ENERGY CENTER UNDER TITLE 10, 1
SUBTITLE 8 OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE. 2
(E) IN DEVELOPING ITS CORPS MEMBER PROGRAMS , THE CORPS BOARD 3
SHALL SEEK ASSISTANC E FROM AND COOPERATE WITH: 4
(1) THE MARYLAND SERVICE CORPS AND THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE 5
ON SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM UNDER TITLE 9.5, SUBTITLE 2 OF THE STATE 6
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE; 7
(2) THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND OTHER AP PROPRIATE 8
UNITS OF STATE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR ENTIT IES TO DEVELOP 9
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ST UDENT PARTICIPATION IN PRIVATE–SECTOR ACTIVITIES , 10
SUCH AS INTERNSHIP A ND EXTERNSHIP PROGRA MS; AND 11
(3) COMMUNITY COLLEGES , 4–YEAR COLLEGES , AND UNIVERSITIES IN 12
THE STATE TO DEVELOP OPPO RTUNITIES FOR COURSE CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS 13
THROUGH WHICH CORPS MEMBERS MAY EAR N COURSE CREDITS FOR PARTICIPATION 14
IN THE CORPS PROGRAM AS AN ALTERNA TIVE TO OR IN ADDITI ON TO PAYMENT OF A 15
STIPEND. 16
Article – Natural Resources 17
8–1925. RESERVED. 18
8–1926. RESERVED. 19
PART III. MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE CORPS. 20
8–1927. 21
(A) IN THIS PART THE FOLL OWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 22
INDICATED. 23
(B) “CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT ” MEANS A PROJECT TO I MPROVE ACCESS TO 24
CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY SOU RCES IN A COMMUNITY DISPROPORTIONATELY 25
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE. 26
(C) “CLIMATE MITIGATION PR OJECT” MEANS A PROJECT TO R EDUCE 27
EMISSIONS OF GREENHO USE GASES AND CO –POLLUTANTS AND MITIG ATE THE 28
HEALTH IMPACTS OF CL IMATE CHANGE IN A COMMUNITY DISPROPO RTIONATELY 29
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE. 30
SENATE BILL 528 59
(D) “COMMUNITY DISPROPORTI ONATELY AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE ” 1
MEANS A COMMUNITY ID ENTIFIED USING THE M ETHODOLOGY RECOMMEND ED BY 2
THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITI ES 3
UNDER § 1–702 OF THE ENVIRONMENT ARTICLE. 4
(E) “CORPS BOARD” MEANS THE ADVISORY BOARD OF THE CORPS 5
PROGRAM. 6
(F) “CORPS PROGRAM” MEANS THE MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE CORPS 7
PROGRAM ESTABLISHED U NDER § 8–1928 OF THIS PART. 8
(G) “QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIO N” MEANS: 9
(1) A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATI ON; 10
(2) A SCHOOL; 11
(3) A COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIO N; 12
(4) A SERVICE, YOUTH, OR CIVIC GROUP ; 13
(5) AN INSTITUTION OF HIG HER EDUCATION ; 14
(6) A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALI TY; OR 15
(7) A UNIT OF STATE GOVERNMENT . 16
(H) “TRUST” MEANS THE CHESAPEAKE BAY TRUST. 17
8–1928. 18
(A) THERE IS A MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE CORPS PROGRAM 19
ADMINISTERED BY THE TRUST, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CORPS BOARD. 20
(B) THE PURPOSE OF THE CORPS PROGRAM IS TO: 21
(1) PROMOTE CLIMATE JUSTI CE AND ASSIST THE STATE IN 22
ACHIEVING ITS GREENH OUSE GAS EMISSIONS R EDUCTION TARGETS ; 23
(2) PROVIDE YOUNG ADULTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES T O BECOME 24
BETTER CITIZENS , STUDENTS, AND WORKERS THROUGH MEANINGFUL SERVICE T O 25
THEIR COMMUNITIES AN D THE STATE; 26
60 SENATE BILL 528
(3) MOBILIZE, EDUCATE, AND TRAIN YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS TO 1
DEPLOY CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY AND MITIG ATE AND PREVENT THE 2
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HE ALTH IMPACTS OF CLIM ATE CHANGE IN COMMUN ITIES 3
DISPROPORTIONATELY A FFECTED BY CLIMATE C HANGE; AND 4
(4) PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS , 5
ESPECIALLY DISADVANT AGED YOUTH, TO BE TRAINED FOR CA REERS THAT WILL BE 6
PART OF THE EMERGING FIELD OF “GREEN–COLLAR” JOBS. 7
8–1929. 8
(A) (1) THE PURPOSE OF THE CORPS BOARD IS TO ADVISE TH E TRUST IN 9
THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TH E CORPS PROGRAM. 10
(2) THE CORPS BOARD CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING 11 MEMBERS: 11
(I) ONE MEMBER OF THE SENATE OF MARYLAND, APPOINTED 12
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE; 13
(II) ONE MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED 14
BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 15
(III) ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF MORGAN 16
STATE UNIVERSITY, TO SERVE AS A LIAISO N BETWEEN THE CORPS BOARD, THE 17
PRESIDENT, AND THE BOARD OF REGENTS; 18
(IV) THREE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE 19
CHESAPEAKE BAY TRUST, APPOINTED BY THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD; AND 20
(V) FIVE MEMBERS APPOINTE D BY THE GOVERNOR WITH THE 21
ADVICE AND CONSENT O F THE SENATE, INCLUDING AT LEAST O NE INDIVIDUAL 22
FROM THE NONPROFIT S ECTOR WITH A BACKGRO UND IN EDUCATION AND STUDENT 23
SERVICE AND ONE WITH A BACKGROUND IN WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT . 24
(3) IF A REGULATED LOBBYI ST IS APPOINTED TO S ERVE AS A MEMBER 25
OF THE CORPS BOARD, THE LOBBYIST IS NOT SUBJECT TO: 26
(I) § 5–504(D) OF THE GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE; OR 27
(II) § 5–704(F)(3) OF THE GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE AS A 28
RESULT OF THAT SERVIC E. 29
(B) A MEMBER OF THE CORPS BOARD SHALL RESIDE IN THE STATE. 30
SENATE BILL 528 61
(C) IN MAKING APPOINTMENT S TO THE CORPS BOARD, THE GOVERNOR 1
SHALL CONSIDER : 2
(1) DIVERSITY; AND 3
(2) ALL GEOGRAPHIC REGION S OF THE STATE. 4
(D) A MEMBER OF THE CORPS BOARD: 5
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE CORPS 6
BOARD; BUT 7
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE 8
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET . 9
(E) (1) THE TERM OF A MEMBER IS 4 YEARS. 10
(2) THE TERMS OF THE MEMB ERS ARE STAGGERED AS REQUIRED BY 11
THE TERMS PROVIDED F OR MEMBERS ON JULY 1, 2022. 12
(3) AT THE END OF A TERM , A MEMBER CONTINUES T O SERVE UNTIL 13
A SUCCESSOR IS APPOI NTED AND QUALIFIES . 14
(4) A MEMBER WHO IS APPOIN TED AFTER A TERM HAS BEGUN SERVES 15
ONLY FOR THE REST OF THE TERM AND UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS APPOINT ED AND 16
QUALIFIES. 17
(F) THE APPOINTING AUTHOR ITY MAY REMOVE A MEM BER FOR 18
INCOMPETENCE , MISCONDUCT , OR FAILURE TO PERFOR M THE DUTIES OF THE 19
POSITION. 20
(G) (1) THE CORPS BOARD SHALL DETERMINE THE TIMES AND PLACES 21
OF ITS MEETINGS. 22
(2) THE CORPS BOARD MAY ACT WITH AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF SIX 23
MEMBERS. 24
8–1930. 25
(A) FROM AMONG ITS MEMBER S, THE CORPS BOARD SHALL ELECT A C HAIR 26
AND A VICE CHAIR. 27
(B) THE TRUST SHALL PROVIDE S TAFF SUPPORT FOR THE CORPS BOARD. 28
62 SENATE BILL 528
8–1931. 1
(A) (1) THE TRUST, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CORPS BOARD, SHALL 2
MAKE GRANTS TO QUALI FIED ORGANIZATIONS F OR THE CREATION OR E XPANSION 3
OF FULL– AND PART–TIME MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE CORPS PROGRAMS, THAT 4
INVOLVE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS THROUGH OUT THE STATE, TO CARRY OUT 5
THIS PART. 6
(2) CORPS PROGRAMS SHALL ENGAGE AND DEVELOP S TIPEND 7
VOLUNTEERS IN CLIMAT E JUSTICE PROJECTS A ND CLEAN ENERGY PROJ ECTS IN 8
COMMUNITIES DISPROPO RTIONATELY AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE . 9
(3) ELIGIBLE CORPS PROGRAM EXPENSES INCL UDE PERSONNEL 10
COSTS, STIPENDS, SUPPLIES, AND OTHER MATERIALS FOR PROJECTS UNDERTA KEN 11
BY CORPS PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS . 12
(B) THE TRUST, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CORPS BOARD, SHALL 13
DEVELOP GUIDELINES F OR EVALUATING APPLIC ATIONS FROM Q UALIFIED 14
ORGANIZATIONS . 15
(C) THE GUIDELINES DEVELO PED IN ACCORDANCE WI TH SUBSECTION (B) 16
OF THIS SECTION SHAL L: 17
(1) CONSIDER THE CAPABILI TY OF THE QUALIFIED ORGANIZATION 18
TO CARRY OUT CORPS PROGRAMS OR PRO JECTS; 19
(2) ENCOURAGE AND CONSIDE R MULTIYEAR , MULTIPARTNER 20
PROPOSALS, LOCAL MATCH , COST–SHARING AGREEMENTS , AND IN–KIND MATCH AS 21
FACTORS IN EVALUATIN G CORPS PROGRAM GRANT APPLICA TIONS; AND 22
(3) REQUIRE GRANT APPLICA TIONS TO DESCRIBE HO W THE 23
QUALIFYING ORGANIZAT ION INTENDS TO: 24
(I) ASSESS THE SKILLS OF CORPS PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS ; 25
(II) PROVIDE LIFE SKILLS A ND WORK SKILLS TRAIN ING; 26
(III) PROVIDE TRAINING AND EDUCATION, IN ADDITION TO THE 27
TRAINING PROVIDED AS A PART OF THE MAIN CORPS PROGRAM; 28
(IV) DEVELOP, WHERE RELEVANT , AGREEMENTS FOR 29
ACADEMIC STUDY WITH : 30
1. LOCAL EDUCATION AGENC IES; 31 SENATE BILL 528 63
2. COMMUNITY COLLEGES ; 1
3. 4–YEAR COLLEGES ; 2
4. AREA CHARTER HIGH SCH OOLS AND 3
VOCATIONAL–TECHNICAL SCHOOLS ; AND 4
5. COMMUNITY–BASED ORGANIZATIONS ; 5
(V) PROVIDE CAREER AND ED UCATIONAL GUIDANCE ; 6
(VI) RECRUIT PARTICIPANTS WITHOUT HIGH SCHOOL 7
DIPLOMAS; AND 8
(VII) RECRUIT RETIRED AND S EMIRETIRED SENIORS A ND OTHER 9
QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL S WITH RELEVANT EXPE RIENCE TO TRAIN CORPS PROGRAM 10
VOLUNTEERS AND PARTI CIPATE IN CORPS PROJECTS BY VOL UNTEERING THEIR 11
EXPERIENCE AND SKILL S. 12
(D) A GRANT AGREEMENT REGA RDING FUNDS FROM THE TRUST SHALL: 13
(1) SPECIFY THE ALLOWED U SE OF THE FUNDS PROV IDED UNDER 14
THE GRANT , INCLUDING ACCOUNTABI LITY MEASURES AND PE RFORMANCE 15
REQUIREMENTS; 16
(2) TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED FOR EFFICIENT M ULTIYEAR 17
FUNDING AND ADMINIST RATION OF THE FUNDS ; AND 18
(3) INCLUDE PROVISIONS FO R VERIFICATION THAT CORPS 19
PROGRAMS AND PROJECT S ARE BEING IMPLEMEN TED AS PLANNED . 20
8–1932. 21
(A) FOR STIPEND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS , THE TRUST AND QUALIFIED 22
ORGANIZATIONS SHALL PRINCIPALLY RECRUIT INDIVIDUALS FOR A MI NIMUM 23
6–MONTH COMMITMENT WHO , AT THE TIME OF ENROL LMENT, ARE AT LEAST 18 24
YEARS OLD AND NOT MO RE THAN 25 YEARS OLD. 25
(B) QUALIFIED ORGANIZATIO NS MAY NOT UNDERTAKE A PROJEC T IF THE 26
PROJECT WOULD REPLAC E REGULAR WORKERS OR DUPLICATE OR REPLACE AN 27
EXISTING SERVICE IN THE SAME LOCALITY . 28
(C) A STIPEND VOLUNTEER : 29 64 SENATE BILL 528
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE A SAL ARY AS A STIPEND VOL UNTEER; BUT 1
(2) MAY RECEIVE A STIPEND , AS DETERMINED BY THE TRUST, BASED 2
ON THE NEEDS OF THE STIPEND VOLUNTEER AN D THE LIMITS OF BUDG ETARY 3
APPROPRIATIONS . 4
(D) (1) A STIPEND VOLUNTEER MA Y NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PARTISAN 5
POLITICAL ACTIVITY W HILE ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF DUTIE S AS A 6
STIPEND VOLUN TEER. 7
(2) THIS PART IS EFFECTIV E ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT IT DOES NOT 8
CONFLICT WITH ANY FE DERAL OR STATE LAWS OR REGULAT IONS RELATING TO 9
PARTICIPATION IN PAR TISAN POLITICAL ACTI VITIES. 10
(3) A STIPEND VOLUNTEER MA Y NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY 11
REGULATORY OR STATUTORY ENFORCEMEN T ACTIVITIES WHILE E NGAGED IN THE 12
PERFORMANCE OF DUTIE S AS A MEMBER OF THE CORPS PROGRAM. 13
8–1933. 14
(A) THE TRUST SHALL PROVIDE T ECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO QUALIFIED 15
ORGANIZATIONS THAT R EQUEST ASSISTANCE . 16
(B) THE TRUST SHALL CONVENE MARYLAND CLIMATE JUSTICE CORPS 17
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ON A REGULAR BASIS I N ORDER TO: 18
(1) PROMOTE TEAM BUILDING AMONG THE PARTICIPAN TS; 19
(2) DEVELOP AN UNDERSTAND ING OF THE OVERALL CORPS 20
PROGRAM PURPOSE ; 21
(3) SHARE INFORMATION ABO UT BEST PRACTICES ; 22
(4) RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE ; AND 23
(5) PROVIDE TRAINING AND OTHER LEARNING OPPOR TUNITIES. 24
(C) IN PROVIDING TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSIST ANCE, THE TRUST MAY 25
CONTRACT WITH AN ORG ANIZATION WITH A PRO VEN TRACK RECORD OF 26
DEVELOPING AND SUSTA INING CORPS PROGRAMS , WORKING WITH THE 27
CONSERVATION CORPS MODEL , AND ENGAGING YOUNG P EOPLE FROM 28
DISADVANTAGED BACKGR OUNDS. 29
SENATE BILL 528 65
8–1934. 1
(A) THE CORPS PROGRAM’S PROJECTS AND ACTIV ITIES SHALL MEET AN 2
IDENTIFIABLE PUBLIC NEED WITHIN A COMMUN ITY DISPROPORTIONATE LY 3
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE, WITH SPECIFIC EMPHAS IS ON PROJECTS THAT 4
RESULT IN LONG –TERM REDUCTIONS TO G REENHOUSE GAS EMISSI ONS AND 5
IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBL IC HEALTH AND THE EN VIRONMENT. 6
(B) CLIMATE MITIGATION PR OJECTS MAY INCLUDE : 7
(1) PROJECTS TO EXPAND UR BAN TREE CANOPY , IMPLEMENT GREEN 8
ROOFTOPS, AND TAKE OTHER ACTIO NS TO REDUCE URBAN H EAT ISLAND EFFECTS ; 9
AND 10
(2) PROJECTS TO IMPROVE A CCESS TO CLEAN , RELIABLE 11
TRANSPORTATION , INCLUDING THROUGH TH E EXPANSION OF BIKE TRAILS AND 12
PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS . 13
(C) CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS MAY INCLUDE: 14
(1) PROJECTS TO INSTALL R ENEWABLE ENERGY SYST EMS AT 15
LOW–INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AN D SCHOOLS , LIBRARIES, AND OTHER PUBLIC 16
BUILDINGS; AND 17
(2) PROJECTS TO UNDERTAKE HOLISTIC RETROFITS O F 18
LOW–INCOME HOUSEHOLDS , INCLUDING W EATHERIZATION AND HE AT PUMP 19
INSTALLATION. 20
8–1935. 21
THE TRUST AND THE CORPS BOARD SHALL SEEK FEDE RAL FUNDS AND 22
GRANTS AND DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE SOURCES TO BE MADE TO THE TRUST FOR 23
THE PURPOSE OF LONG –TERM FUNDING OF THE CORPS PROGRAM. 24
8–1936. 25
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES MAY : 26
(1) CONTRACT WITH THE TRUST TO CARRY OUT CORPS PROGRAM 27
WORK; 28
(2) ASSIGN TO THE TRUST RESOURCES TO AS SIST IN ITS CORPS 29
PROGRAM WORK , DEVELOPMENT , AND ACTIVITIES; AND 30
66 SENATE BILL 528
(3) ASSIGN FACULTY AND ST AFF TO THE TRUST FOR THE PURPOSE 1
OF CARRYING OUT OR A SSISTING WITH CORPS PROGRAMS . 2
8–1937. 3
(A) IN DEVELOPING ITS PRO GRAMS AND SEEKING FE DERAL AND STATE 4
GRANTS, THE TRUST AND THE CORPS BOARD SHALL: 5
(1) COORDINATE ALL EFFORT S WITH THE MARYLAND 6
CONSERVATION CORPS ESTABLISHED IN TITLE 5, SUBTITLE 2 OF THIS ARTICLE TO 7
ENGAGE YOUNG ADULTS IN CONSERVATION SERV ICE PROJECTS; 8
(2) COORDINATE ALL EFFORT S WITH THE CIVIC JUSTICE CORPS, AN 9
ADJUNCT PROGRAM OF T HE MARYLAND CONSERVATION CORPS, TO ENGAGE YOUTH 10
IN CONSERVATION SERV ICE PROJECTS; AND 11
(3) SEEK ASSISTANCE AND A DVICE FROM RELEVANT PUBLIC AND 12
PRIVATE SOURCES . 13
(B) IN DEVELOPING CLEAN E NERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND EDUCATIONAL 14
PROGRAMS, THE TRUST AND THE CORPS BOARD SHALL SEEK ASSI STANCE FROM 15
AND COOPERATE WITH T HE MARYLAND CLEAN ENERGY CENTER UNDER TITLE 10, 16
SUBTITLE 8 OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE. 17
(C) IN DEVELOPING ITS VOL UNTEER PROGRAMS , THE TRUST AND THE 18
CORPS BOARD SHALL SEEK ASSI STANCE FROM AND COOP ERATE WITH: 19
(1) THE MARYLAND SERVICE CORPS AND THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE 20
ON SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM UNDER TITLE 9.5, SUBTITLE 2 OF THE STATE 21
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE; 22
(2) THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND OTHER AP PROPRIATE 23
UNITS OF STATE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR ENTIT IES TO DEVELOP 24
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ST UDENT PARTICIPATION IN PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIVITIES , 25
SUCH AS INTERNSHIP A ND EXTERNSHIP PROGRA MS; AND 26
(3) MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF 27
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE, TO DEVELOP OPPORTUNI TIES FOR COURSE 28
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS THROUGH WHICH STUDEN TS MAY EARN COURSE C REDITS 29
FOR PARTICIPATION IN CORPS PROGRAMS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO OR IN ADDITION 30
TO PAYMENT OF A STIP END. 31
8–1938. 32
SENATE BILL 528 67
(A) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE TRUST, IN CONSULTATION 1
WITH THE CORPS BOARD SHALL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN ACCORDANCE 2
WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 3
(B) THE REPORT SHALL INCL UDE A COMPLETE OPERA TING AND FINANCIAL 4
STATEMENT COVERING T HE OPERATIONS OF THE CORPS BOARD AND A SUMMARY 5
OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CORPS BOARD DURING THE PREC EDING FISCAL YEAR. 6
Article – Public Safety 7
12–501. 8
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 9
(b) “Building” has the meaning stated in the International Building Code. 10
(c) “Department” means the Maryland Department of Labor. 11
(d) (1) “International Building Code” means the first printing of the most 12
recent edition of the International Building Code issued by the International Code Council. 13
(2) “International Building Code” does not include interim amendments or 14
subsequent printings of the most recent edition of the International Building Code. 15
(e) (1) “International Energy Conservation Code” means the first printing of 16
the most recent edition of the International Energy Conservation Code issued by the 17
International Code Council. 18
(2) “International Energy Conservation Code” does not include interim 19
amendments or subsequent printings of the most recent edition of the International Energy 20
Conservation Code. 21
(f) (1) “International Green Construction Code” means the first printing of the 22
most recent edition of the International Green Construction Code issued by the 23
International Code Council. 24
(2) “International Green Construction Code” does not include interim 25
amendments or subsequent printings of the most recent edition of the International Green 26
Construction Code. 27
(g) “Local jurisdiction” means the county or municipal corporation that is 28
responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Standards under this subtitle. 29
(h) “Standards” means the Maryland Building Performance Standards. 30
(i) “Structure” has the meaning stated in the International Building Code. 31 68 SENATE BILL 528
12–503. 1
(a) (1) The Department shall adopt by regulation, as the Maryland Building 2
Performance Standards, the International Building Code, including the International 3
Energy Conservation Code, with the modifications incorporated by the Department under 4
subsection (b) of this section. 5
(2) The Department shall adopt each subsequent version of the Standards 6
within 18 months after it is issued. 7
(b) (1) Before adopting each version of the Standards, the Department shall: 8
(i) review the International Building Code to determine whether 9
modifications should be incorporated in the Standards; 10
(ii) consider changes to the International Building Code to enhance 11
energy conservation and efficiency; 12
(iii) subject to the provisions of paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, 13
adopt modifications to the Standards that allow any innovative approach, design, 14
equipment, or method of construction that can be demonstrated to offer performance that 15
is at least the equivalent to the requirements of: 16
1. the International Energy Conservation Code; 17
2. Chapter 13, “Energy Efficiency”, of the International 18
Building Code; or 19
3. Chapter 11, “Energy Efficiency”, of the International 20
Residential Code; 21
(iv) accept written comments; 22
(v) consider any comments received; and 23
(vi) hold a public hearing on each proposed modification. 24
(2) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph and § 25
12–510 of this subtitle, the Department may not adopt, as part of the Standards, a 26
modification of a building code requirement that is more stringent than the requirement in 27
the International Building Code. 28
(ii) The Department may adopt energy conservation requirements 29
that are more stringent than the requirements in the International Energy Conservation 30
Code, but may not adopt energy conservation requirements that are less stringent than the 31
requirements in the International Energy Conservation Code. 32 SENATE BILL 528 69
(3) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL 1
ADOPT, AS PART OF THE STANDARDS, A REQUIREMENT THAT N EW BUILDINGS BE 2
PROVIDED WITH SUFFIC IENT ELECTRICAL CAPA CITY AND INFRASTRUCT URE, 3
INCLUDING CIRCUITS , RACEWAYS, RECEPTACLES , AND JUNCTION BOXES , TO 4
SUPPORT THE REPLACEM ENT OF INSTALLED FOS SIL–FUEL APPLIANCES AND 5
EQUIPMENT WITHOUT RE QUIRING DESTRUCTIVE MODIFICATIONS TO THE BUILDING 6
INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR TO COMPLETE THE NECE SSARY ELECTRICAL WOR K FOR THE 7
INSTALLATION. 8
(3) (I) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL 9
ADOPT, AS PART OF THE STANDARDS: 10
1. SUBJECT TO SUBPARAGR APH (II) OF THIS 11
PARAGRAPH , A REQUIREMENT THAT N EW BUILDINGS MEET AL L WATER AND SPACE 12
HEATING DEMAND WITHO UT THE USE OF FOSSIL FUELS; AND 13
2. ELECTRIC–READY STANDARDS TO E NSURE THAT NEW 14
BUILDINGS ARE READY FOR: 15
A. THE INSTALLATION OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS ; 16
B. THE INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHA RGING 17
EQUIPMENT; AND 18
C. BUILDING–GRID INTERACTION . 19
(II) 1. A LOCAL JURISDICTION MAY GRANT A VARIANCE 20
FROM THE REQUIREMENT S OF SUBPARAGRAPH (I)1 OF THIS PARAGRAPH FO R A 21
BUILDING ONLY IF THE LOCAL JURISDICTION D ETERMINES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH 22
A COST–EFFECTIVENESS TEST D EVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT , THAT THE 23
INCREMENTAL COST OF CONSTRUCTING THE BUILDING TO COMP LY WITH THE 24
REQUIREMENTS WOULD B E GREATER THAN THE S OCIAL COST OF THE GR EENHOUSE 25
GASES THAT WOULD BE REDUCED BY COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENT S. 26
2. THE COST–EFFECTIVENESS TEST D EVELOPED BY THE 27
DEPARTMENT UNDER THIS SUBPARAGRAPH SHALL: 28
A. FOR THE PURPOSE OF C ALCULATING THE SOCIA L 29
COST OF GREENHOUSE G ASES, USE EITHER THE RATE ADOPTED BY THE 30
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT OR THE RA TE ADOPTED BY THE UNITED 31
STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, WHICHEVER IS GREATER ; AND 32
70 SENATE BILL 528
B. ACCOUNT FOR PROJECTE D UTILITY COST RATES AND 1
EMISSIONS RATES BASE D ON THE MOST RECENT FINAL GREENHOUSE GAS 2
EMISSIONS REDUCTION PLAN ADOPTED UNDER § 2–1205 OF THE ENVIRONMENT 3
ARTICLE. 4
3. A BUILDING THAT RECEIV ES A VARIANCE IN 5
ACCORDANCE WITH THE COST–EFFECTIVENESS TEST D EVELOPED UNDER THIS 6
SUBPARAGRAPH SHALL S TILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH ELECTRIC –READY 7
STANDARDS ADOPTED UN DER SUBPARAGRAPH (I)2 OF THIS PARAGRAPH . 8
(c) The Standards apply to each building or structure in the State for which a 9
building permit application is received by a local jurisdiction on or after August 1, 1995. 10
(d) In addition to the Standards, the Department [may] SHALL: 11
(1) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, adopt by regulation the 2018 12
International Green Construction Code; AND 13
(2) ADOPT EACH SUBSEQUEN T VERSION OF THE CODE WITHIN 18 14
MONTHS AFTER IT IS I SSUED. 15
12–505. 16
(a) (1) (i) Each local jurisdiction shall implement and enforce the most 17
current version of the Standards and any local amendments to the Standards. 18
(ii) Any modification of the Standards adopted by the State after 19
December 31, 2009, shall be implemented and enforced by a local jurisdiction no later than 20
12 months after the modifications are adopted by the State. 21
Article – Public Utilities 22
7–211. 23
(g) (1) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, on or before 24
December 31, 2008, by regulation or order, the Commission shall: 25
(i) to the extent that the Commission determines that cost–effective 26
energy efficiency and conservation programs and services are available, for each affected 27
class, require each electric company to procure or provide for its electricity customers 28
cost–effective energy efficiency and conservation programs and services with projected and 29
verifiable electricity savings that are designed to achieve a targeted reduction of at least 30
5% by the end of 2011 and 10% by the end of 2015 of per capita electricity consumed in the 31
electric company’s service territory during 2007; and 32
SENATE BILL 528 71
(ii) require each electric company to implement a cost–effective 1
demand response program in the electric company’s service territory that is designed to 2
achieve a targeted reduction of at least 5% by the end of 2011, 10% by the end of 2013, and 3
15% by the end of 2015, in per capita peak demand of electricity consumed in the electric 4
company’s service territory during 2007. 5
(2) (i) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, for the 6
duration of the [2018–2020 and] 2021–2023 AND 2024–2026 program cycles, by regulation 7
or order, the Commission shall, to the extent that the Commission determines that 8
cost–effective energy efficiency and conservation programs and services are available, for 9
each affected class, require each electric company to procure or provide for its electricity 10
customers cost–effective energy efficiency and conservation programs and services with 11
projected and verifiable electricity savings that are designed on a trajectory to achieve a 12
targeted annual incremental gross energy savings of at least [2.0% per year, calculated as 13
a percentage of the electric company’s 2016 weather–normalized gross retail sales and 14
electricity losses] THE FOLLOWING ANNUAL PERCENTAGES , CALCULATED AS A 15
PERCENTAGE OF THE EL ECTRIC COMPANY ’S 2016 WEATHER–NORMALIZED GROSS 16
RETAIL SALES AND ELE CTRICITY LOSSES: 17
1. 2.25% 2.0% PER YEAR IN 2022 THROUGH 2024 AND 18
2025; 19
2. 2.5% 2.25% PER YEAR IN 2025 AND 2026; AND 20
3. 2.75% 2.5% PER YEAR IN 2027 AND THEREAFTER . 21
(ii) The savings trajectory shall use the approved 2016 plans 22
submitted under subsection (h)(2) of this section as a baseline for an incremental increase 23
of a rate of.20% per year until the minimum [2.0% per year] savings rate SPECIFIED IN 24
SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH is achieved. 25
(iii) The gross retail sales against which the savings are measured 26
shall: 27
1. reflect sales associated with customer classes served by 28
utility–administered programs only; and 29
2. be updated by the Commission for each plan submitted 30
under subsection (h)(2) of this section. 31
(iv) The targeted annual incremental gross energy savings shall be 32
achieved based on the 3–year average of an electric company’s plan submitted under 33
subsection (h)(2) of this section. 34
(V) FOR 2025 AND THEREAFTER , THE CORE OBJECTIVE O F THE 35
TARGETED REDUCTIONS UNDER THIS SECTION SH ALL INCLUDE DEVELOPM ENT AND 36 72 SENATE BILL 528
IMPLEMENTATION OF A PORTFOLIO OF MUTUALL Y REINFORCING GOALS , INCLUDING 1
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS REDUCTION , ENERGY SAVINGS , NET CUSTOMER 2
BENEFITS, AND REACHING UNDERSE RVED CUSTOMERS . 3
7–217. 4
(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE FOLLOWIN G WORDS HAVE THE MEA NINGS 5
INDICATED. 6
(2) “ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS ” MEANS A SCHOOL BUS T HAT IS 7
POWERED EXCLUSIVELY BY AN ELECTRIC MOTOR THAT DRAWS ITS CURRE NT FROM 8
RECHARGEABLE STORAGE BATTERIES THAT ARE R ECHARGED WITH ELECTR ICITY 9
FROM AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHA RGING STATION . 10
(3) “ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS P ILOT PROGRAM ” MEANS A PILOT 11
PROGRAM CONDUCTED BY AN INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY UNDER THIS 12
SECTION. 13
(4) “INCREMENTAL ADMINISTR ATIVE AND OPERATING COSTS” MEANS 14
THE AMOUNT BY WHICH THE COST OF ADMINISTERING AND OPERATING AN ELE CTRIC 15
SCHOOL BUS PROGRAM E XCEEDS THE COST OF A DMINISTERING AND OPE RATING A 16
DIESEL SCHOOL BUS PR OGRAM. 17
(5) “INCREMENTAL COSTS OF PURCHASING AND DEPLO YING 18
ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSE S” MEANS THE AMOUNT BY WHICH THE COSTS OF 19
PURCHASING AND DEPLO YING ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSES EXCEED THE COS TS OF 20
PURCHASING AND DEPLO YING DIESEL SCHOOL B USES. 21
(6) “INTERCONNECTION EQUIP MENT” MEANS A GROUP OF 22
COMPONENTS OR AN INT EGRATED SYSTEM THAT CONNECTS AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE 23
CHARGING STATION WI TH THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OF AN INVESTO R–OWNED 24
ELECTRIC COMPANY . 25
(7) “INTERCONNECTION FACIL ITIES” MEANS FACILITIES REQ UIRED 26
BY AN INVESTOR –OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY TO ACCOMMODATE TH E 27
INTERCONNECTION OF A N ELECTRIC VEHICLE C HARGING STATION . 28
(8) “PARTICIPATING SCHOOL SYSTEM” MEANS A SCHOOL SYSTE M 29
LOCATED WITHIN AN IN VESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY’S SERVICE TERRITORY 30
THAT: 31
(I) PARTICIPATES IN AN E LECTRIC SCHOOL BUS P ILOT 32
PROGRAM UNDER AN AGR EEMENT BETWEEN ITS S CHOOL BOARD AND AN 33
INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPANY ; AND 34 SENATE BILL 528 73
(II) OWNS ITS SCHOOL BUSE S OR CONTRACTS WITH ANOTHER 1
ENTITY FOR SCHOOL BU S SERVICES. 2
(9) “PROGRAM COSTS ” MEANS: 3
(I) ANY COSTS TO DEPLOY APPROPRIATE ELECTRIC SCHOOL 4
BUS CHARGING INFRAST RUCTURE THAT ARE INC URRED BY AN INVESTOR–OWNED 5
ELECTRIC COMPANY IN IMPLEMENTING AN ELEC TRIC SCHOOL BUS PILO T PROGRAM; 6
AND 7
(II) REBATES PAID TO A PA RTICIPATING SCHOOL S YSTEM. 8
(10) “REBATE” MEANS AN INCENTIVE P ROVIDED BY AN 9
INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY TO A PARTICIPATIN G SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT 10
IS EQUAL TO: 11
(I) THE DEMONSTRABLE INCREMENTAL COSTS OF PURCHASING 12
AND DEPLOYING ELECTR IC SCHOOL BUSES TO P ARTICIPATING SCHOOL SYSTEMS; 13
AND 14
(II) THE INCREMENTAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND O PERATING 15
COSTS INCURRED BY A PARTICIPATING SCHOOL SYSTEM IN IMPLEMENTI NG ITS 16
ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PILOT PROGRAM . 17
(B) (1) THERE IS AN ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PILOT PRO GRAM. 18
(2) THE ELECTRIC SCHOOL B US PILOT PROGRAM SHA LL BE 19
IMPLEMENTED AND ADMI NISTERED BY THE COMMISSION AND SHALL OPERATE AS 20
PROVIDED IN THI S SECTION. 21
(C) AN INVESTOR –OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY MAY APPLY TO THE 22
COMMISSION TO IMPLEME NT AN ELECTRIC SCHOO L BUS PILOT PROGRAM IF THE 23
PILOT PROGRAM IS STR UCTURED TO: 24
(1) COMMENCE ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2024; 25
(2) PROVIDE FOR THE DEPL OYMENT OF NOT FEWER THAN 25 26
ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSE S; 27
(3) PROVIDE FOR ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS REBATES T O PARTICIPATING 28
SCHOOL SYSTEMS ; 29
(4) LIMIT TOTAL REBATES TO $50,000,000; 30 74 SENATE BILL 528
(5) ALLOW THE INVESTOR –OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY TO USE THE 1
STORAGE BATTERIES OF THE ELECTRIC SC HOOL BUSES TO ACCESS THE STORED 2
ELECTRICITY THROUGH VEHICLE–TO–GRID TECHNOLOGY : 3
(I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED I N ITEM (6) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 4
WITHOUT ADDITIONAL C OMPENSATION TO THE S CHOOL SYSTEM FOR THE 5
ELECTRICITY; AND 6
(II) AT TIMES WHEN THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOL SYSTEM 7
DETERMINES THAT THE SCHOOL BUSES ARE NOT NEEDED TO TRANSPORT 8
STUDENTS; 9
(6) ENSURE THAT IF THE I NVESTOR–OWNED UTILITY USES 10
ELECTRICITY THAT A P ARTICIPATING SCHOOL SYSTEM PROVIDES TO C HARGE AN 11
ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS BATTERY, THE INVESTOR–OWNED UTILITY REPLAC ES THAT 12
ELECTRICITY AT NO CO ST TO THE PARTICIPAT ING SCHOOL SYSTEM ; 13
(7) PROVIDE FOR THE SELE CTION OF SCHOOL SYST EMS THAT APPLY 14
TO PARTICIPATE IN TH E PILOT PROGRAM ON T HE BASIS OF APPROPRI ATE FACTORS 15
DETERMINED BY THE IN VESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY WITH THE APPROVAL 16
OF THE COMMISSION, INCLUDING THE LOCATI ONAL BENEFITS THAT T HE STORAGE 17
BATTERIES OF SCHOOL BUSES MAY BRING TO T HE INVESTOR –OWNED ELECTRIC 18
COMPANY; 19
(8) CONSIDER, IN DETERMINING THE A PPROPRIATE FACTORS U NDER 20
ITEM (7) OF THIS SUBSECTION , THE HEALTH AND ECONO MIC EFFECTS ON 21
LOW–INCOME AND MINORITY COMMUNITIES ; 22
(9) PROVIDE AND INSTALL THE INTERCONNECTION EQUIPMENT AND 23
INTERCONNECTION FACI LITIES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STA TIONS AND 24
TRAIN SCHOOL PERSONN EL IN THE PROPER USE OF THE EQ UIPMENT AND 25
FACILITIES; 26
(10) EQUIP ENSURE EACH ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS IS EQUIPPED WITH 27
LAP AND SHOULDER BEL TS IN ACCORDANCE WIT H RECOMMENDATIONS FR OM THE 28
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD; AND 29
(11) PROVIDE ENSURE THE SCHOOL BOARD IS PROVIDED WITH 30
ADEQUATE TRAINING AN D EXPERTISE TO OPERA TE ABLY ELECTRIC SCH OOL BUSES, 31
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHA RGING STATIONS , AND ASSOCIATED INFRA STRUCTURE. 32
(D) A PARTICIPATING SCHOOL SYSTEM SHALL: 33
SENATE BILL 528 75
(1) WHEN DEPLOYING ELECT RIC SCHOOL BUS ES, CONSIDER CRITERIA 1
THAT BENEFIT STUDENT S WHO ARE ELIGIBLE F OR FREE AND 2
REDUCED PRICE MEALS ; AND 3
(2) BEFORE THE DELIVERY OF ELECTRIC SCHOOL B USES, DEVELOP A 4
PLAN FOR TRAINING AN D RETAINING ANY SCHO OL SYSTEM EMPLOYEE A FFECTED BY 5
THE ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PILOT PROGRAM . 6
(E) (1) SUBJECT TO THE COMMISSION’S APPROVAL , AN 7
INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY MAY RECOVER ALL R EASONABLE AND 8
PRUDENT PROGRAM COST S INCURRED UNDER AN ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PILOT 9
PROGRAM THROUGH A RATE APPLICATION TO BE MECHANISM THAT IS REVIEWED 10
AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION. 11
(2) A RATE APPLICATION UND ER THIS SUBSECTION S HALL INCLUDE 12
CONFORMING CHANGES T O THE PARTICIPATING INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC 13
COMPANY’S APPLICABLE RATE SC HEDULES. 14
(3) SUBJECT TO THE COMMISSION’S APPROVAL, THE ELECTRIC 15
SCHOOL BUS PILOT PRO GRAM SHALL BECOME A REGULAR RATE SCHEDUL E OF THE 16
PARTICIPATING INVEST OR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY. 17
(F) SUBJECT TO THE COMMISSION’S APPROVAL, AN INVESTOR –OWNED 18
ELECTRIC COMPANY MAY ESTABLISH A PILOT TA RIFF OR RATE TO PROVIDE SERVICE 19
TO AN ELECTRIC SCHOO L BUS. 20
(G) AN INVESTOR –OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY THAT APPLIES TO 21
IMPLEMENT AN ELECTRI C SCHOOL BUS PILOT P ROGRAM SHALL PROVIDE TO THE 22
COMMISSION ANY INFORM ATION, DATA, AND ANALYSIS THAT TH E COMMISSION 23
REQUIRES. 24
(H) THE COMMISSION SHALL APPR OVE, DENY, OR APPROVE WITH 25
MODIFICATIONS AN INV ESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY’S APPLICATION TO 26
IMPLEMENT AN ELECTRI C SCHOOL BUS PILOT P ROGRAM. 27
(I) (1) AN INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPA NY THAT ESTABLISHES AN 28
ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PILOT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED B Y THIS SECTION SHALL , IN 29
CONSULTATION WITH EA CH PARTICIPATING SCH OOL SYSTEM, BY FEBRUARY 1, 2025, 30
AND EACH YEAR THEREA FTER FOR THE DURATIO N OF THE PILOT PROGR AM, REPORT 31
ON THE STATUS OF THE PILOT PROGRAM TO THE GOVERNOR, THE COMMISSION, 32
AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE 33
HOUSE ECONOMIC MATTERS COMMITTEE AND THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE. 34
76 SENATE BILL 528
(2) THE REPORT REQUIRED U NDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS 1
SUBSECTION SHALL INC LUDE: 2
(I) AN EVALUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH 3
BENEFITS OF THE PILO T PROGRAM; AND 4
(II) THE FINANCIAL COSTS AND BENEFITS OF IMPL EMENTING 5
THE PILOT PROGRAM TO THE PARTICIPATING SC HOOL SYSTEM AND THE 6
INVESTOR–OWNED UTILITY , INCLUDING: 7
1. THE DEPLOYMENT , OPERATION, AND MAINTEN ANCE 8
OF THE ELECTRIC SCHO OL BUSES; AND 9
2. THE USE OF VEHICLE –TO–GRID TECHNOLOGY . 10
(J) THE INITIAL DURATION OF AN ELECTRIC SCHOO L BUS PILOT PROGRAM 11
SHALL BE AT LEAST 3 YEARS AND MAY NOT EX CEED 5 YEARS. 12
(K) ON THE REQUEST OF AN INVESTOR–OWNED ELECTRIC COMPANY , THE 13
COMMISSION MAY AUTHOR IZE AN EXPANSION OF THE SCOPE, DEPLOYMENT , 14
PROGRAM COSTS , AND DURATION OF THE ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS PILOT PROGRAM . 15
SUBTITLE 8. ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING. 16
7–801. 17
IT IS THE GOAL OF THE STATE THAT THE ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTIO N SYSTEM 18
SUPPORT, IN A COST–EFFECTIVE MANNER , THE STATE’S POLICY GOALS WITH 19
REGARD TO: 20
(1) GREENHOUSE GAS REDUC TION; 21
(2) RENEWABLE ENERGY ; 22
(3) DECREASING DEPENDENC E ON ELECTRICITY IMP ORTED FROM 23
OTHER STATES ; AND 24
(4) ACHIEVING ENERGY DIS TRIBUTION RESILIENCY , EFFICIENCY, 25
AND RELIABILITY. 26
7–802. 27
ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2024, AND EACH DECEMBER 1 THEREAFTER , 28
THE COMMISSION SHALL SUBM IT A REPORT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE 29 SENATE BILL 528 77
STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH INFORMA TION 1
REGARDING THE CURREN T STATUS OF ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 2
EVOLUTION, INCLUDING INFORMATIO N ON ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 3
PLANNING PROCESSES A ND IMPLEMENTATION TH AT PROMOTE, AS SPECIFIC GOALS , 4
THE FOLLOWING : 5
(1) MEASURES TO DECREASE GREENHOU SE GAS EMISSIONS INC IDENT 6
TO ELECTRIC DISTRIBU TION, INCLUDING HIGH LEVEL S OF DISTRIBUTED ENE RGY 7
RESOURCES AND ELECTR IC VEHICLES; 8
(2) GIVING PRIORITY TO V ULNERABLE COMMUNITIE S IN THE 9
DEVELOPMENT OF DISTR IBUTED ENERGY RESOUR CES AND ELE CTRIC VEHICLE 10
INFRASTRUCTURE ; 11
(3) ENERGY EFFICIENCY ; 12
(4) MEETING ANTICIPATED INCREASES IN LOAD ; 13
(5) INCORPORATION OF ENE RGY STORAGE TECHNOLO GY AS 14
APPROPRIATE AND PRUD ENT TO: 15
(I) SUPPORT EFFICIENCY A ND RELIABILITY OF TH E ELECTRIC 16
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM; AND 17
(II) PROVIDE ADDITIONAL C APACITY TO ACCOMMODA TE 18
INCREASED DISTRIBUTE D RENEWABLE ELECTRIC ITY GENERATION IN CO NNECTION 19
WITH ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTIO N SYSTEM MODERNIZATION ; 20
(6) EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF LOAD VARIABILITY ; 21
(7) ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM RESILIENCY AND RELIABILITY; 22
(8) BIDIRECTIONAL POWER FLOWS; 23
(9) DEMAND RESPONSE AND OTHER NONWIRE AND NO NCAPITAL 24
ALTERNATIVES ; 25
(10) INCREASED USE OF DIS TRIBUTED ENERGY RESO URCES, 26
INCLUDING ELECTRIC V EHICLES; 27
(11) TRANSPARENT STAKEHOLDER PARTICIP ATION IN ONGOING 28
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM PLANNING PROCESSES ; AND 29
(12) ANY OTHER ISSUES THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE . 30 78 SENATE BILL 528
7–803. 1
(A) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY STRONGLY ENC OURAGES THE ELECTRIC 2
COMPANIES OF THE STATE TO PURSUE DILIGENTLY FEDERAL F UNDS TO MEET THE 3
STATE’S POLICY GOALS FOR T HE ELECTRIC DISTRIBU TION SYSTEM, INCLUDING 4
FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE UNDER §§ 40101, 40103, AND 40107 OF THE FEDERAL 5
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT. 6
(B) THE COMMISSION AND THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION 7
SHALL PROVIDE ASSIST ANCE AND SUPPORT TO ELECTRIC COMPANIES F OR APPLYING 8
FOR AND OBTAINING ACCESS TO FEDERAL AND OTHER AV AILABLE FUNDS TO MEET 9
THE STATE’S POLICY GOALS FOR T HE ELECTRIC DISTRIBU TION SYSTEM. 10
(C) THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION SHALL IDENT IFY FUNDING 11
SOURCES THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE TO ELECTRI C COMPANIES TO IMPLE MENT THE 12
STATE’S POLICY GOALS UNDER § 7–802 OF THIS SUBTITLE , INCLUDING FUNDING 13
FOR: 14
(1) INCREASING THE EFFIC IENCY OF ELECTRIC DI STRIBUTION 15
SYSTEMS, INCLUDING TH ROUGH INSTALLATION A ND INTEGRATION OF EN ERGY 16
STORAGE DEVICES AND OPERATIONAL CHANGES AND UPGRADES ; 17
(2) GRID–HARDENING ACTIVITIES TO REDUCE THE OCCURR ENCE OF 18
OR CONSEQUENCES OF E VENTS THAT DISRUPT O PERATIONS OF THE ELE CTRIC 19
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR NATU RAL DISASTERS; 20
(3) OTHER DISTRIBUTION S YSTEM–RELATED UPGRADE ACTI VITIES 21
AVAILABLE FOR FUNDIN G UNDER § 40101, § 40103, OR § 40107 OF THE FEDERAL 22
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT; AND 23
(4) OTHER SPECIFIC ACTIV ITIES THAT THE COMMISSION IDENTIFIES . 24
(D) AS NEEDED TO PROMOTE THE STATE’S POLICY GOALS UNDER § 7–802 OF 25
THIS SUBTITLE, THE COMMISSION: 26
(1) SHALL REQUIRE EACH E LECTRIC COMPANY TO R EPORT TO THE 27
COMMISSION AND THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION ON : 28
(I) THE FUNDING FOR WHICH THE ELECTR IC COMPANY HAS 29
APPLIED; 30
(II) THE PURPOSES FOR WHI CH THE FUNDING IS IN TENDED TO 31
BE USED; 32 SENATE BILL 528 79
(III) THE STATUS OF THE FU NDING APPLICATIONS ; AND 1
(IV) CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET TO OBTAIN THE FUNDING; 2
AND 3
(2) MAY ADOPT REGULATI ONS OR ISSUE ORDERS THAT REQUIRE 4
ELECTRIC COMPANIES T O APPLY FOR FEDERAL AND OTHER AVAILABLE FUNDS IN A 5
TIMELY MANNER . 6
7–804. 7
ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2025, THE COMMISSION SHALL ADOP T REGULATIONS 8
OR ISSUE ORDERS TO I MPLEMENT SPECIFIC PO LICIES FOR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION 9
SYSTEM PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENTS IN ORDE R TO PROMOTE THE STATE’S 10
POLICY GOALS UNDER § 7–802 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 11
Article – State Finance and Procurement 12
3–602.1. 13
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 14
(2) “High performance building” means a building that: 15
(i) 1. A. [meets or exceeds the current] ACHIEVES AT 16
LEAST A SILVER RATIN G ACCORDING TO THE M OST RECENT version of the U.S. Green 17
Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green 18
Building Rating System [Silver rating]; OR 19
B. 2. IS A SCHOOL OR PUBLI C SAFETY BUILDING TH AT 20
ACHIEVES AT LEAST A CERTIFIED RATING ACC ORDING TO THE MOST RECENT 21
VERSION OF THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S LEED GREEN BUILDING 22
RATING SYSTEM AND, BASED ON THE BUILDIN G’S LOCATION, ACHIEVES 5 POINTS 23
OR FEWER IN THE COMB INED CREDITS FOR ACC ESS TO QUALITY TRANS IT AND 24
SURROUNDING DENSITY AND DIVERSE USES ; 25
[(ii)] 2. Achieves at least a comparable numeric rating according 26
to a nationally recognized, accepted, and appropriate numeric sustainable development 27
rating system, guideline, or standard approved by the Secretaries of Budget and 28
Management and General Services; or 29
[(iii)] 3. Complies with a nationally recognized and accepted green 30
building code, guideline, or standard reviewed and recommended by the Maryland Green 31 80 SENATE BILL 528
Building Council and approved by the Secretaries of Budget and Management and General 1
Services; AND 2
(II) 1. MEETS OR EXCEEDS THE CURRENT REQUIREMENTS 3
FOR CERTIFICATION UN DER THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S LEED 4
(LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN) ZERO ENERGY 5
PROGRAM; OR 6
2. ACHIEVES A NET –ZERO ENERGY BALANCE IN 7
ACCORDANCE WITH STAN DARDS OR GUIDELINES RECOMMENDED BY THE 8
MARYLAND GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF 9
BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT AND THE SECRETARY OF GENERAL SERVICES. 10
(3) “Major renovation” means the renovation of a building where: 11
(i) the building shell is to be reused for the new construction; 12
(ii) the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, 13
and plumbing systems are to be replaced; and 14
(iii) the scope of the renovation is 7,500 square feet or greater. 15
(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that, to the extent practicable: 16
(1) the State shall employ green building technologies when constructing 17
or renovating a State building not subject to this section; and 18
(2) high performance buildings shall meet the criteria and standards 19
established under the “High Performance Green Building Program ” adopted by the 20
Maryland Green Building Council. 21
(c) (1) This subsection applies to: 22
(i) capital projects [that are funded solely] FOR WHICH AT LEAST 23
25% OF THE PROJECT COSTS ARE FUNDED with State funds; and 24
(ii) community college capital projects that receive State funds. 25
(2) Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, if a capital 26
project includes the construction or major renovation of a building that is 7,500 square feet 27
or greater, the building shall be constructed or renovated to be a high performance building. 28
(d) The following types of unoccupied buildings are not required to be constructed 29
or renovated to be high performance buildings: 30
(1) warehouse and storage facilities; 31 SENATE BILL 528 81
(2) garages; 1
(3) maintenance facilities; 2
(4) transmitter buildings; 3
(5) pumping stations; and 4
(6) other similar types of buildings, as determined by the Department. 5
(e) (1) The Department of Budget and Management and the Department of 6
General Services shall jointly establish a process to allow a unit of State government or a 7
community college to obtain a waiver from complying with subsection (c) of this section. 8
(2) The waiver process shall: 9
(i) include a review by the Maryland Green Building Council 10
established under § 4–809 of this article, to determine if the use of a high performance 11
building in a proposed capital project is not practicable; and 12
(ii) require the approval of a waiver by the Secretaries of Budget and 13
Management, General Services, and Transportation. 14
3–602.4. 15
(A) (1) THIS SECTION APPLIES ONLY TO: 16
(I) A CAPITAL PROJECT TH AT IS FUNDED SOLELY WITH STATE 17
FUNDS; AND 18
(II) SUBJECT TO § 5–312 OF THE EDUCATION ARTICLE, AT 19
LEAST ONE PUBLIC SCH OOL CONSTRUCTION PRO JECT IN EACH LOCAL S CHOOL 20
SYSTEM FROM JULY 1, 2023, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2033, INCLUSIVE. 21
(2) THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO UNOCCUPIED BUILDINGS 22
THAT ARE NOT REQUIRE D TO BE CONSTRUCTED TO BE HIGH PERFORMANCE 23
BUILDINGS UNDER § 3–602.1 OF THIS SUBTITLE. 24
(B) IN ADDITION TO MEETIN G THE HIGH PERFORMAN CE BUILDING 25
REQUIREMENTS ESTABLI SHED UNDER § 3–602.1 OF THIS SUBTITLE , IF A PROJECT 26
DESCRIBED IN SUBSECT ION (A)(1) OF THIS SECTION INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION 27
OF A BUILDING THAT I S 7,500 SQUARE FEET OR GREAT ER, THE BUILDING SHALL B E 28
CONSTRUCTED TO : 29
82 SENATE BILL 528
(1) MEET OR EXCEED THE C URRENT REQUIREMENTS FOR 1
CERTIFICATION UNDER THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S LEED 2
(LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN) ZERO ENERGY 3
PROGRAM; OR 4
(2) ACHIEVE A NET –ZERO ENERGY BALANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 5
STANDARDS OR GUIDELI NES RECOMMENDED BY T HE MARYLAND GREEN BUILDING 6
COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT AND 7
THE SECRETARY OF GENERAL SERVICES. 8
(C) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT AND THE 9
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES SHALL JOINTL Y ESTABLISH A PROCES S TO 10
ALLOW A UNIT OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO O BTAIN A WAIVER FROM COMPLYING 11
WITH SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION. 12
(2) THE WAIVER PROCESS SH ALL: 13
(I) INCLUDE A REVIEW BY THE MARYLAND GREEN BUILDING 14
COUNCIL ESTABLISHED U NDER § 4–809 OF THIS ARTICLE , TO DETERMINE IF THE 15
USE OF A NET–ZERO ENERGY BUILDING IN A PROPOSED CAPITA L PROJECT IS NOT 16
PRACTICABLE ; AND 17
(II) REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF A WAIVER BY THE SECRETARY 18
OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT , THE SECRETARY OF GENERAL SERVICES, AND THE 19
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION . 20
4–809. 21
(f) The Maryland Green Building Council shall: 22
(1) evaluate current high performance building technologies; 23
(2) provide recommendations concerning the most cost–effective green 24
building technologies that the State might consider requiring in the construction of State 25
facilities, including consideration of the additional cost associated with the various 26
technologies; 27
(3) provide recommendations concerning how to expand green building in 28
the State; 29
(4) develop a list of building types for which green building technologies 30
should not be applied, taking into consideration the operational aspects of facilities 31
evaluated, and the utility of a waiver process where appropriate; 32
(5) establish a process for receiving public input; [and] 33 SENATE BILL 528 83
[(6) develop guidelines for new public school buildings to achieve the 1
equivalent of the current version of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership 2
in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System Silver rating or a 3
comparable rating system or building code as authorized in § 3–602.1 of this article without 4
requiring an independent certification that the buildings have achieved the required 5
standards.] 6
(6) ENSURE THAT STATE BUILDINGS , PUBLIC SCHOOLS , AND 7
COMMUNITY COLLEGES T HAT ARE REQUIRED TO MEET THE HIGH PERFOR MANCE 8
BUILDING REQUIREMENT S UNDER § 3–602.1 OF THIS ARTICLE OR § 5–312 OF THE 9
EDUCATION ARTICLE MEET THOSE RE QUIREMENTS ; AND 10
(7) DEVELOP GUIDELINES F OR EVALUATING THE EN ERGY BALANCE 11
AND ACHIEVING A NET –ZERO ENERGY BALANCE IN BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO § 12
3–602.1 § 3–602.4 OF THIS ARTICLE. 13
4–810. 14
(A) IN THIS SECTION , “LOW–CARBON RENEWABLE ENE RGY SOURCE ” 15
MEANS: 16
(1) SOLAR ENERGY , INCLUDING ENERGY FRO M PHOTOVOLTAIC 17
TECHNOLOGIES AND SOL AR WATER HEATING SYS TEMS; 18
(2) WIND; 19
(3) GEOTHERMAL , INCLUDING ENERGY GEN ERATED THROUGH 20
GEOTHERMAL EXCHANGE FROM OR THERMAL ENER GY AVOIDED BY, GROUNDWATER 21
OR A SHALLOW GROUND SOURCE; 22
(4) OCEAN, INCLUDING ENERGY FRO M WAVES, TIDES, CURRENTS, 23
AND THERMAL DIFFEREN CES; AND 24
(5) HYDROELECTRIC POWER OTHER THAN PUMP STOR AGE 25
GENERATION . 26
(B) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2030, EACH PRIMARY PROCURE MENT UNIT 27
SHALL ENSURE THAT AT LEAST 75% OF THE ELECTRICITY S UPPLY PROCURED BY 28
THE UNIT FOR USE IN STATE FACILITIES IS D ERIVED FROM NO– OR LOW–CARBON 29
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES . 30
6–226. 31
84 SENATE BILL 528
(a) (2) (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and unless 1
inconsistent with a federal law, grant agreement, or other federal requirement or with the 2
terms of a gift or settlement agreement, net interest on all State money allocated by the 3
State Treasurer under this section to special funds or accounts, and otherwise entitled to 4
receive interest earnings, as accounted for by the Comptroller, shall accrue to the General 5
Fund of the State. 6
(ii) The provisions of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph do not apply 7
to the following funds: 8
144. the Health Equity Resource Community Reserve Fund; 9
[and] 10
145. the Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund; AND 11
146. THE NET–ZERO SCHOOL GRANT FUND; AND 12
147. THE CLIMATE CATALYTIC CAPITAL FUND. 13
14–418. 14
(A) (1) IN THIS SECTION THE F OLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 15
INDICATED. 16
(2) “HYBRID VEHICLE ” MEANS AN AUTOMOBILE THAT CAN DRAW 17
PROPULSION ENERGY FR OM BOTH OF THE FOLLO WING SOURCES OF STOR ED 18
ENERGY: 19
(I) GASOLINE OR DIESEL F UEL; AND 20
(II) A RECHARGEABLE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM . 21
(3) “LIGHT–DUTY VEHICLE ” MEANS A VEHICLE WITH A GROSS 22
WEIGHT OF 8,500 POUNDS OR LESS . 23
(4) “PASSENGER CAR ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 11–144.2 OF 24
THE TRANSPORTATION ARTICLE. 25
(5) “ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLE ” HAS THE MEANING STATED IN § 26
23–206.4 OF THE TRANSPORTATION ARTICLE. 27
(B) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT 100% OF: 28
(1) PASSENGER CARS IN THE STATE VEHICLE FLEET B E 29
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES BY 2030 2031; AND 30 SENATE BILL 528 85
(2) OTHER LIGHT–DUTY VEHICLES IN THE STATE VEHICLE FLEET B E 1
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES BY 2036. 2
(C) THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE PURCHAS E OF VEHICLES: 3
(1) THAT HAVE SPECIAL PE RFORMANCE REQUIREMEN TS NECESSARY 4
FOR THE PROTECTION A ND WELFARE OF THE PU BLIC; OR 5
(2) BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OR THE MARYLAND 6
TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION THAT W ILL BE USED TO PROVI DE PARATRANSIT 7
SERVICE. 8
(D) SUBJECT TO THE AVAILA BILITY OF FUNDING , THE THE SUBJECT TO THE 9
AVAILABILITY OF FUND ING, THE THE STATE SHALL ENSURE THAT : 10
(1) (I) IN FISCAL YEAR YEARS 2023 THROUGH 2025, INCLUSIVE, AT 11
LEAST 25% OF PASSENGER CARS PURCHASED FOR T HE STATE VEHICLE FLEET A RE 12
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES ; 13
(II) IN FISCAL YEARS 2024 2026 AND 2025 2027, AT LEAST 40% 14
50% OF PASSENGER CARS PU RCHASED FOR THE STATE VEHICLE FLEET A RE 15
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES ; 16
(III) BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2026 2028, AT LEAST 75% 100% 17
OF PASSENGER CARS PURCHASED FOR T HE STATE VEHICLE FLEET A RE 18
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES ; AND 19
(IV) BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2027, 100% OF PASSENGER 20
CARS PURCHASED FOR T HE STATE VEHICLE FLEET A RE ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES ; 21
AND 22
(V) BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2024, ANY PASSENGER CAR 23
PURCHASED FOR THE STATE VEHICLE FLEET T HAT IS NOT A ZERO –EMISSION 24
VEHICLE IS A HYBRID VEHICLE ; AND 25
(2) (I) IN FISCAL YEARS 2028 THROUGH 2030, INCLUSIVE, AT 26
LEAST 25% OF ALL OTHER LIGHT –DUTY VEHICLES PURCHA SED FOR THE STATE 27
VEHICLE FLEET ARE ZE RO–EMISSION VEHICLES ; 28
(II) IN FISCAL YEARS 2031 AND 2032, AT LEAST 50% OF ALL 29
OTHER LIGHT–DUTY VEHICLES PURCHA SED FOR THE STATE VEHICLE FLEET A RE 30
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES ; AND 31
86 SENATE BILL 528
(III) BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2033, 100% OF ALL OTHER 1
LIGHT–DUTY VEHICLES PURCHA SED FOR THE STATE VEHICLE FLEET A RE 2
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES . 3
(E) THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES SHALL ENSURE THE 4
DEVELOPMENT OF CHARG ING INFRASTRUCTURE T O SUPPORT THE OPERAT ION OF 5
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES IN THE STATE VEHICLE FLEET . 6
(F) (1) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 EACH YEAR , THE CHIEF 7
PROCUREMENT OFFICER SHALL SUBMIT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IN 8
ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, AN ANNUAL 9
REPORT THAT INCLUDES , FOR THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING FISCAL YEA R: 10
(I) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PASSENGER CARS AND O THER 11
LIGHT–DUTY VEHICLES PURCHASED BY EACH UN IT; 12
(II) THE NUMBER OF ZERO –EMISSION PASSENGER C ARS AND 13
OTHER LIGHT–DUTY VEHICLES PURCHA SED BY EACH UNIT ; 14
(III) THE CURRENT PERCENTA GE OF PASSENGER CARS AND 15
OTHER LIGHT –DUTY VEHICLES IN THE STATE VEHICLE FLEET T HAT ARE 16
ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES ; 17
(IV) ANY OPERATIONAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATED WITH THE 18
PURCHASE AND OPERATI ON OF ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES ; AND 19
(V) AN EVALUATION OF THE CHARGING INFRASTRUCT URE 20
THAT EXISTS TO SUPPO RT THE OPERATION OF ZERO–EMISSION VEHICLES IN THE 21
STATE VEHICLE FLEET . 22
(2) EACH UNIT SHALL COOPERATE WITH THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT 23
OFFICER IN THE COLLEC TION AND REPORTING O F THE INFORMATION RE QUIRED 24
UNDER THIS SUBSECTIO N. 25
Article – State Government 26
9–2010. 27
(A) IN THIS SECTION , “FUND” MEANS THE NET–ZERO SCHOOL GRANT 28
FUND. 29
(B) THERE IS A NET–ZERO SCHOOL GRANT FUND. 30
SENATE BILL 528 87
(C) THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND IS TO ASSIST LOC AL SCHOOL SYSTEMS TO 1
COVER THE COST DIFFE RENCE BETWEEN MEETIN G THE BASIC HIGH PER FORMANCE 2
BUILDING REQUIREMENT S AND THE NET–ZERO ENERGY REQUIREM ENTS UNDER § 3
3–602.1 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 4
(D) THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL ADMINISTER THE FUND. 5
(E) (1) THE FUND IS A SPECIAL , NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT 6
SUBJECT TO § 7–302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 7
(2) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL HOLD THE FUND SEPARATELY, 8
AND THE COMPTROLLER SHALL ACC OUNT FOR THE FUND. 9
(F) THE FUND CONSISTS OF : 10
(1) ANY FEDERAL MONEY AL LOCATED TO THE STATE FOR THE 11
PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCT ING NET–ZERO ENERGY SCHOOL B UILDINGS; 12
(2) MONEY ALLOCATED TO T HE FUND IN THE STATE BUDGET ; AND 13
(3) ANY OTHER MONEY FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE ACC EPTED FOR 14
THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND. 15
(G) (1) THE FUND MAY BE USED ONLY FOR PROVIDING LOCAL SCHOOL 16
SYSTEMS WITH GRANTS OF UP TO $3,000,000 TO COVER THE COST DI FFERENCE 17
BETWEEN MEETING THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING REQUIREMENT S 18
ESTABLISHED UNDER § 3–602.1 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT 19
ARTICLE AND THE NET–ZERO ENERGY REQUIREM ENTS UNDER § 3–602.1 § 3–602.4 20
OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 21
(2) THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL DEVELOP GUIDELINES AND 22
REPORTING REQUIREMEN TS FOR LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS TO RECEIVE 23
GRANTS UNDER PARAGRA PH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 24
(H) (1) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL INVES T THE MONEY OF THE FUND 25
IN THE SAME MANNER A S OTHER STATE MONEY MAY BE IN VESTED. 26
(2) ANY INTEREST EAR NINGS OF THE FUND SHALL BE CREDITE D TO 27
THE FUND. 28
(I) EXPENDITURES FROM THE FUND MAY BE MADE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE 29
WITH THE STATE BUDGET . 30
88 SENATE BILL 528
(J) MONEY EXPENDED FROM T HE FUND IS SUPPLEMENTAL TO AND IS NOT 1
INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLACE OF FUNDING THA T OTHERWISE WOULD BE 2
APPROPRIATED TO ASSI ST LOCAL SCHOOL SYST EMS WITH SCHOOL CONS TRUCTION 3
COSTS. 4
(K) FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR FROM FISCAL YEAR 2024 THROUGH 2032, 5
INCLUSIVE, THE GOVERNOR SHALL INCLUD E IN THE ANNUAL BUDG ET BILL AN 6
APPROPRIATION OF $12,000,000 TO THE FUND. 7
9–2011. 9–2010. 8
(A) IN THIS SECTION, “HUB” MEANS THE CLIMATE TRANSITION AND CLEAN 9
ENERGY HUB. 10
(B) THERE IS A CLIMATE TRANSITION AND CLEAN ENERGY HUB IN THE 11
ADMINISTRATION . 12
(C) THE PURPOSE OF THE HUB IS TO SERVE AS A CLEARINGHOUSE FOR 13
INFORMATION ON ADVAN CED TECHNOLOGY AND A RCHITECTURAL SOLUTIO NS TO 14
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GA S EMISSIONS FROM THE BUILDING SECTOR . 15
(D) (1) THE HUB SHALL PROVIDE TEC HNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PUBLIC 16
AND PRIVATE ENTITIES TO ACHIEVE GREENHOUSE G AS EMISSIONS REDUCTI ONS 17
AND COMPLY WITH STATE AND LOCAL ENERG Y EFFICIENCY AND ELE CTRIFICATION 18
REQUIREMENTS , INCLUDING: 19
(1) NET–ZERO ENERGY REQUIREM ENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHO OL 20
BUILDINGS ESTABLISHE D UNDER § 5–312 OF THE EDUCATION ARTICLE; 21
(2) (I) BUILDING EMISSIONS S TANDARDS FOR COVERED 22
COMMERCIAL AND MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL B UILDINGS ESTABLISHED UNDER 23
TITLE 2, SUBTITLE 16 OF THE ENVIRONMENT ARTICLE; 24
(3) (II) THE MARYLAND BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 25
AND LOCAL AME NDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS ESTABLISHED UNDER TITLE 12, 26
SUBTITLE 5 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE; AND 27
(4) (III) HIGH PERFORMANCE BUI LDING REQUIREMENTS F OR 28
STATE–FUNDED BUILDINGS EST ABLISHED UNDER § 3–602.1 OF THE STATE 29
FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE. 30
(2) THE HUB SHALL ALSO PROVID E TECHNICAL ASSISTAN CE FOR 31
INCREASING BUILDING PERFORMANCE AND ENER GY EFFICIENCY FOR OT HER 32
EXISTING AND NEW RES IDENTIAL PROPERTIES . 33 SENATE BILL 528 89
Article – Tax – Property 1
7–237. 2
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, personal property is 3
exempt from property tax if the property is machinery or equipment used to generate: 4
(1) electricity or steam for sale; or 5
(2) hot or chilled water for sale that is used to heat or cool a building. 6
(b) Subject to § 7–514 of this title, AND EXCEPT AS PROVID ED IN SUBSECTION 7
SUBSECTIONS SUBSECTION (C) AND (D) OF THIS SECTION , personal property that is 8
machinery or equipment described in subsection (a) of this section is subject to county or 9
municipal corporation property tax on: 10
(1) 75% of its value for the taxable year beginning July 1, 2000; and 11
(2) 50% of its value for the taxable year beginning July 1, 2001 and each 12
subsequent taxable year. 13
(C) (1) (I) IN THIS SUBSECTION TH E FOLLOWING WORDS HA VE THE 14
MEANINGS INDICATED . 15
(II) “BROWNFIELD” MEANS: 16
1. A FORMER INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL SITE 17
IDENTIFIED BY FEDERA L OR STATE LAWS OR REGULAT IONS AS CONTAMINATED OR 18
POLLUTED; OR 19
2. A CLOSED MUNICIPAL O R RUBBLE LANDFILL 20
REGULATED UNDER A RE FUSE DISPOSAL PERMIT BY THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT 21
OF THE ENVIRONMENT . 22
(III) “COMMUNITY SOLAR ENERG Y GENERATING SYSTEM ” HAS 23
THE MEANING STATED I N § 7–306.2 OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ARTICLE. 24
(IV) “ELECTRIC COMPANY ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 25
1–101 OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ARTICLE. 26
(2) FOR ANY TAXABLE YEAR BEGINNING AFTER JUNE 30, 2022, 27
PERSONAL PERSONAL PERSONAL PROPERTY IS EXEMPT F ROM COUNTY OR 28
MUNICIPAL CORPORATIO N PROPERTY TAX IF TH E PROPERTY IS MACHIN ERY OR 29
EQUIPMENT THAT : 30 90 SENATE BILL 528
(1) (I) AS DEFINED IN REGULA TION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE 1
COMMISSION, IS PART OF A COMMUNI TY SOLAR ENERGY GENE RATING SYSTEM 2
THAT: 3
1. HAS A GENERATING CAP ACITY THAT DOES NOT 4
EXCEED 2 MEGAWATTS AS MEASURE D BY THE ALTERNATING CURRENT RATING OF 5
THE SYSTEM’S INVERTER; AND 6
2. PROVIDES AT LEAST 50% OF THE ENERGY IT 7
PRODUCES TO LOW – OR MODERATE –INCOME CUSTOMERS AT A COST THAT IS AT 8
LEAST 20% LESS THAN THE AMOUNT CHARGED BY THE ELECT RIC COMPANY THAT 9
SERVES THE AREA WHER E THE COMMUNITY SOLA R ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM IS 10
LOCATED; AND 11
(II) IS INSTALLED ON ROOFTOPS, PARKING LOTS , ROADWAYS, 12
OR BROWNFIELDS SITES ; AND A ROOFTOP , PARKING FACILITY CAN OPY, OR 13
BROWNFIELD . 14
(2) IS PART OF A COMMUNI TY SOLAR ENERGY GENE RATING SYSTEM , 15
AS DEFINED IN § 7–306.2 OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ARTICLE, THAT SERVES MORE 16
THAN 51% OF KILOWATT –HOUR OUTPUT TO LOW – OR MODERATE –INCOME 17
CUSTOMERS , AS DEFINED IN REGULA TIONS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION. 18
(3) PERSONAL PROPERTY THA T RECEIVES AN EXEMPT ION UNDER 19
THIS SUBSECTION IS E XEMPT FROM COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL CORPORATIO N 20
PROPERTY TAX FOR EACH TAXABLE YEAR IN WHICH THE PR OPERTY CONTINUES TO 21
MEET THE REQUIREMENT S FOR THE EXEMPTION UNDER PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS 22
SUBSECTION. 23
(4) THE SUPERVISOR OF A C OUNTY OR A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION 24
MAY NOT ACCEPT AN AP PLICATION FROM A PRO PERTY OWNER FO R THE EXEMPTION 25
UNDER THIS SUBSECTIO N AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2024. 26
(5) ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL 27
REPORT TO THE SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE 28
WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE 29
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ON THE NUMBER AND LO CATION OF PROJECTS T HAT, IN 30
THE IMMEDIATELY PREC EDING TAXABLE YEAR , HAVE RECEIVED THE EX EMPTION 31
UNDER THIS SUBSECTIO N. 32
(D) IN ADDITION TO THE EX EMPTION PROVIDED UND ER SUBSECTION (C) OF 33
THIS SECTION, THE GOVERNING BODY O F A COUNTY OR MUNICI PAL CORPORATION 34
MAY EXEMPT , BY LAW, ANY OTHER MACHINERY OR EQUIPMENT THAT IS PART OF A 35 SENATE BILL 528 91
SOLAR ENERGY GENERAT ING SYSTEM, WIND ENERGY SYSTEM , OR GEOTHERMAL 1
ENERGY SYSTEM FROM T HE COUNTY OR MUNICIP AL CORPORATION PROPE RTY TAX. 2
SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 3
as follows: 4
Article – Environment 5
2–1602. 6
(A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVE LOP BUILDING EMISSIONS ENERGY 7
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR COVERED BUILDING S THAT ACHIEVE : 8
(1) FOR COVERED BUILDINGS OWNED BY THE STATE: 9
(I) (1) A 50% 20% REDUCTION IN NET DIRECT GREENHOUSE 10
GAS EMISSIONS ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2030, AS COMPARED WITH 2025 LEVELS 11
FOR AVERAGE BUILDINGS OF SIMILAR CONSTRUCTION ; AND 12
(II) (2) NET–ZERO DIRECT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS ON 13
OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2035; AND 2040. 14
(2) FOR COVERED BUILDINGS NOT OWNED BY THE STATE: 15
(I) A 20% REDUCTION IN NET GRE ENHOUSE GAS EMISSION S ON 16
OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2030; 17
(II) A 40% REDUCTION OF AT LEAST 30% IN NET DIRECT 18
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2035, AS COMPARED WITH 19
2025 LEVELS FOR AVERAGE B UILDINGS OF SIMILAR CONSTRUCTION ; AND 20
(III) (II) NET–ZERO DIRECT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ON 21
OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2040. 22
(B) TO FACILITATE THE DEV ELOPMENT OF BUILDING EMISSIONS ENERGY 23
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS UNDER THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL 24
REQUIRE THE OWNERS O F COVERED BUILDINGS AND SCHOOLS TO MEASURE AND 25
REPORT DIRECT EMISSIONS USE THE ENERGY STAR PORTFOLIO MANAGER OR 26
ANOTHER BENCHMARKING TOOL DESIGNATED BY T HE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT 27
AND REPORT BENCHMARK ING DATA TO THE DEPARTMENT ANNUALLY B EGINNING 28
IN 2025. 29
(C) (1) THE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL 30
ADOPT REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS SECTI ON. 31 92 SENATE BILL 528
(2) REGULATIONS ADOPTED U NDER THIS SECTION SH ALL: 1
(I) SUBJECT TO ITEMS (II) AND (III) OF THIS PARAGRAPH , 2
INCLUDE ENERGY USE I NTENSITY TARGETS BY BUILDING TYPE; 3
(II) AS NECESSARY , INCLUDE SPECIAL PROVISIO NS OR 4
EXCEPTIONS TO ACCOUN T FOR: 5
1. BUILDING AGE; 6
2. REGIONAL DIFFERENCES ; 7
3. THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF P ARTICULAR BUILDING O R 8
OCCUPANCY TYPES , INCLUDING HEALTH CAR E FACILITIES AND LABORATORIES , 9
LABORATORIES , ASSISTED LIVING AND NURSING FACILITI ES, MILITARY BUILDINGS , 10
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCT URE, AND BUILDINGS USED I N LIFE SCIENCES AS D EFINED 11
IN § 3–201 OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE; AND 12
4. THE USE OF DISTRICT E NERGY SYSTEMS AND 13
BIOFUELS BY COVERED BUILDINGS ; 14
(III) ACCOUNT FOR CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF THE OWN ERS OF 15
COVERED BUILDINGS WH O: 16
1. ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE F OR THE DESIGN , 17
MODIFICATION , FIXTURES, OR EQUIPMENT OF COMM ERCIAL TENANTS ; 18
2. DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO OR CONTROL OVER 19
BUILDING ENERGY SYST EMS THAT ARE U SED OR CONTROLLED BY COMMERCIAL 20
TENANTS; OR 21
3. OWN BUILDINGS OCCUPIE D BY COMMERCIAL 22
TENANTS WHO ARE RESP ONSIBLE FOR ALL MAIN TENANCE OF AND REPAI RS TO THE 23
BUILDINGS; 24
(I) (IV) PROVIDE MAXIMUM FLEXI BILITY TO THE OWNERS OF 25
COVERED BUILDINGS TO COMPLY WITH BUILDING EMISSIONS ENERGY 26
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS; 27
(II) (V) SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (3) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 28
INCLUDE AN ALTERNATI VE COMPLIANCE PATHWA Y ALLOWING THE OWNER OF A 29
COVERED BUILDING TO PAY A FEE FOR BUILDING EMISSIONS T HAT EXCEED THE 30
BUILDING EMISSIONS S TANDARDS GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 31 SENATE BILL 528 93
THE BUILDING’S FAILURE TO MEET ENERGY USE INTENSITY DIRECT GREENHOUSE 1
GAS EMISSIONS REDUCT ION TARGETS SET BY THE DEPARTMENT ; AND 2
(III) (VI) TO THE EXTENT AUTHORI ZED BY LAW , INCLUDE 3
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES RECOMMENDED BY THE BUILDING ENERGY TRANSITION 4
IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE. 5
(3) THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT SE T AN ALTERNATIVE COM PLIANCE 6
FEE THAT IS LESS THA N THE SOCIAL COST OF GREENHOU SE GASES ADOPTED BY THE 7
DEPARTMENT OR THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. 8
(D) ELECTRIC COMPANIES AN D GAS COMPANIES SHAL L PROVIDE ENERGY 9
DATA, INCLUDING WHOLE –BUILDING AND AGGREGA TE DATA, TO THE OWNERS OF 10
COVERED BUILDINGS FO R BENCHMARKING PURPOSE S. 11
(E) IN CALCULATING THE ST ATEWIDE STANDARDS DE VELOPED BY THE 12
DEPARTMENT UNDER THIS SECTION, AN OWNER OF A COVERE D BUILDING MAY NOT 13
CONSIDER GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS OR ENE RGY USE BY A COMMERC IAL TENANT 14
OF THE COVERED BUILD ING THAT: 15
(1) IS A FOOD SERVICE FAC ILITY AS DEFINED IN COMAR 10.15.03.02; 16
AND 17
(2) ENGAGES IN COMMERCIAL COOKING AND WATER HE ATING. 18
(E) (1) A COUNTY MAY DEVELOP A ND ADOPT LOCAL BUILD ING ENERGY 19
PERFORMANCE STANDARD S THAT ARE AT LEAST AS STRINGENT AS THE STANDARDS 20
DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT , IF THE COUNTY ’S STANDARDS ARE APPR OVED 21
BY THE DEPARTMENT . 22
(2) COVERED BUILDINGS LOC ATED IN A COUNTY THA T ADOPTS 23
LOCAL BUILDING ENERG Y PERFORMANCE STANDA RDS IN ACCORDANCE WI TH THIS 24
SUBSECTION SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM TH E STATEWIDE STANDARD S DEVELOPED BY 25
THE DEPARTMENT . 26
SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 27
as follows: 28
Article – Environment 29
2–1602. 30
(A) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVE LOP BUILDING EMISSIONS ENERGY 31
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR COVERED BUILDINGS THAT ACHIEVE : 32 94 SENATE BILL 528
(1) FOR COVERED BUILDINGS OWNED BY THE STATE: 1
(I) A 50% A 20% REDUCTION IN NET DIRECT GREENHOUSE GAS 2
EMISSIONS ON OR BEFO RE JANUARY 1, 2030, AS COMPARED WITH 2025 LEVELS FOR 3
AVERAGE BUILDINGS OF SIMILAR CONSTRUCTION ; AND 4
(II) NET–ZERO DIRECT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS ON OR 5
BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2035; AND 6
(2) FOR COVERED BUILDINGS NOT OWNED BY THE STATE: 7
(I) A 20% REDUCTION IN NET GRE ENHOUSE GAS EMISSION S ON 8
OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2030; AND 9
(II) A 40%, A REDUCTION OF AT LEAST 30% IN NET DIRECT 10
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ON OR BEFO RE JANUARY 1, 2035, AS COMPARED WITH 11
2025 LEVELS FOR AVERAGE B UILDINGS OF SIMILAR CONSTRUCTION . 12
(B) TO FACILITATE THE DEV ELOPMENT OF BUILDING EMISSIONS ENERGY 13
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS UNDER THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL 14
REQUIRE THE OWNERS O F COVERED BUILDINGS AND SCHOOLS TO MEASURE AND 15
REPORT DIRECT EMISSI ONS DATA TO THE DEPARTMENT ANNUALLY B EGINNING IN 16
2025. 17
(C) (1) THE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL 18
ADOPT REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THIS SECTI ON. 19
(2) REGULATIONS ADOPTED U NDER THIS SECTION SH ALL: 20
(I) SUBJECT TO ITEMS (II) AND (III) OF THIS PARAGRAPH , 21
INCLUDE ENERGY USE I NTENSITY TARGETS BY BUILDING TYPE; 22
(II) AS NECESSARY , INCLUDE SPECIAL PROV ISIONS OR 23
EXCEPTIONS TO ACCOUN T FOR: 24
1. BUILDING AGE; 25
2. REGIONAL DIFFERENCES ; 26
3. THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF P ARTICULAR BUILDING O R 27
OCCUPANCY TYPES , INCLUDING HEALTH CAR E FACILITIES AND LABORATORIES , 28
LABORATORIES , ASSISTED LIVING AND NURSING FACILITIES , MILITARY BUILDINGS , 29 SENATE BILL 528 95
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCT URE, AND BUILDINGS USED I N LIFE SCIENCES AS D EFINED 1
IN § 3–201 OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE; AND 2
4. THE USE OF DISTRICT E NERGY SYSTEMS AND 3
BIOFUELS BY COVERED BUILDINGS ; 4
(III) ACCOUNT FOR CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF THE OWN ERS OF 5
COVERED BUILDINGS WH O: 6
1. ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE F OR THE DESIGN , 7
MODIFICATION , FIXTURES, OR EQUIPMENT OF COMM ERCIAL TENANTS ; 8
2. DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO OR CONTROL OVER 9
BUILDING ENERGY SYSTEM S THAT ARE USED OR C ONTROLLED BY COMMERC IAL 10
TENANTS; OR 11
3. OWN BUILDINGS OCCUPIE D BY COMMERCIAL 12
TENANTS WHO ARE RESP ONSIBLE FOR ALL MAIN TENANCE OF AND REPAI RS TO THE 13
BUILDINGS; 14
(I) (IV) PROVIDE MAXIMUM FLEXI BILITY TO THE OWNERS OF 15
COVERED BUILDINGS TO COMPLY WITH BUILDING EMISSIONS ENERGY 16
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS; 17
(II) (V) SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (3) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 18
INCLUDE AN ALTERNATI VE COMPLIANCE PATHWA Y ALLOWING THE OWNER OF A 19
COVERED BUILDING TO PAY A FEE FOR BUILDING EMISSIONS T HAT EXCEED THE 20
BUILDING EMISSIONS S TANDARDS GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS ATTRIBUTABLE TO 21
THE BUILDING’S FAILURE TO MEET ENERGY USE INTENSITY DIRECT GREENHOUSE 22
GAS EMISSIONS REDUCT ION TARGETS; AND 23
(III) (VI) TO THE EXTENT AUTHORI ZED BY LAW , INCLUDE 24
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES RECOMMENDED BY THE BUILDING ENERGY TRANSITION 25
IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE. 26
(3) THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT SE T AN ALTERNATIVE COM PLIANCE 27
FEE THAT IS LESS THA N THE SOCIAL COST OF GREENHOUSE GASES A DOPTED BY THE 28
DEPARTMENT OR THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. 29
(D) ELECTRIC COMPANIES AN D GAS COMPANIES SHAL L PROVIDE ENERGY 30
DATA, INCLUDING WHOLE –BUILDING AND AGGREGA TE DATA, TO THE OWNERS OF 31
COVERED BUILDINGS FO R BENCHMARKING PURPO SES. 32
96 SENATE BILL 528
(E) IN CALCULATING THE ST ATEWIDE STANDARDS DE VELOPED BY THE 1
DEPARTMENT UNDER THIS SECTION, AN OWNER OF A COVERE D BUILDING MAY NOT 2
CONSIDER GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS OR ENE RGY USE BY A COMMERC IAL TENANT 3
OF THE COVERED BUILD ING THAT: 4
(1) IS A FOOD SERVICE FACILITY AS DEFINED IN COMAR 10.15.03.02; 5
AND 6
(2) ENGAGES IN COMMERCIAL COOKING AND WATER HE ATING. 7
(E) (1) A COUNTY MAY DEVELOP A ND ADOPT LOCAL BUILD ING ENERGY 8
PERFORMANCE STANDARD S THAT ARE AT LEAST AS STRINGENT AS THE STANDARDS 9
DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT, IF THE COUNTY ’S STANDARDS ARE APPR OVED 10
BY THE DEPARTMENT . 11
(2) COVERED BUILDINGS LOC ATED IN A COUNTY THA T ADOPTS 12
LOCAL BUILDING ENERG Y PERFORMANCE STANDA RDS IN ACCORDANCE WI TH THIS 13
SUBSECTION SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE STAT EWIDE STANDARDS DEVE LOPED BY 14
THE DEPARTMENT . 15
SECTION 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 16
as follows: 17
Article – Environment 18
2–1603. 19
(A) THERE IS A BUILDING ENERGY TRANSITION IMPLEMENTATION TASK 20
FORCE. 21
(B) THE TASK FORCE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING ME MBERS: 22
(1) THE SECRETARY, OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 23
(2) THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT , 24
OR THE SECRETARY’S DESIGNEE; 25
(3) THE SECRETARY OF GENERAL SERVICES, OR THE SECRETARY’S 26
DESIGNEE; 27
(4) THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION , 28
OR THE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 29
SENATE BILL 528 97
(5) THE CHAIR OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, OR THE 1
CHAIR’S DESIGNEE; 2
(6) THE PEOPLE’S COUNSEL, OR THE PEOPLE’S COUNSEL’S 3
DESIGNEE; 4
(7) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MARYLAND CLEAN ENERGY 5
CENTER, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE; 6
(8) THE CHAIR OF THE MARYLAND GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, OR 7
THE CHAIR’S DESIGNEE; 8
(9) ONE MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, APPOINTED BY THE 9
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE; 10
(10) ONE MEMBER OF THE SENATE, APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT 11
OF THE SENATE; AND 12
(11) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS , APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR: 13
(I) ONE REPRESENTATIVE FR OM A NONPROFIT OR 14
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZ ATION THAT ADVOCATES FOR ENERGY –EFFICIENT 15
BUILDINGS OR A LOW –CARBON–BUILT ENVIRONMENT ; 16
(II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE FR OM A BUSINESS THAT P ROVIDES 17
ENERGY EFFICIENCY OR RENEWABLE ENERGY SER VICES TO LARGE BUILD INGS OR 18
AFFORDABLE HOUSING I N MARYLAND; 19
(III) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WH O IS AN ARCHITECT WITH 20
EXPERIENCE PLANNING MODIFICATIONS TO EXI STING BUILDINGS TO A CHIEVE 21
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS REDUCTIONS ; 22
(IV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WH O IS A MECHANICAL , 23
ELECTRICAL, OR PLUMBING ENGINEER OR COMMISSIONING AGE NT WITH 24
EXPERIENCE IN MODIFY ING OR REPLACING SYSTEMS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE 25
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISS IONS REDUCTIONS ; 26
(V) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE APARTMENT AND OFFICE 27
BUILDING ASSOCIATION MULTIFAMILY HOUSING INDUSTRY; 28
(VI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WH O IS AN AFFORDABLE H OUSING 29
DEVELOPER ; 30
98 SENATE BILL 528
(VII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WHO I S A FACILITIES OR PR OPERTY 1
MANAGER FOR AN APART MENT BUILDING ; 2
(VIII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WH O IS A FACILITIES OR PROPERTY 3
MANAGER FOR A COMMER CIAL BUILDING; 4
(IX) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF A FINANCIAL INSTITUT ION; AND 5
(X) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF A PRIVA TE EQUITY FIRM; AND 6
(XI) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DISTRICT ENERGY 7
INDUSTRY; 8
(XII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE COMMERCI AL OR 9
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING ASSOCIATION; AND 10
(XIII) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF ORGANIZED LABOR WHO 11
REPRESENTS THE BUILD ING TRADES; AND 12
(XIV) ONE REPRESENTATIVE WH O IS A TENANT OF AN APARTMENT 13
BUILDING OR AN ADVOC ATE FOR THE RIGHTS O F TENANTS OF APARTME NT 14
BUILDINGS; AND 15
(12) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS , SELECTED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE 16
COMMISSION: 17
(I) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF A MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITY; 18
AND 19
(II) ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN INVESTOR–OWNED UTILITY . 20
(C) THE SECRETARY SHALL DESIG NATE THE CHAIR OF TH E TASK FORCE. 21
(D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROV IDE STAFF FOR THE TASK FORCE. 22
(E) A MEMBER OF THE TASK FORCE: 23
(1) MAY NOT RECEIVE COMPE NSATION AS A MEMBER OF THE TASK 24
FORCE; BUT 25
(2) IS ENTITLED TO REIMBU RSEMENT FOR EXPENSES UNDER THE 26
STANDARD STATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS, AS PROVIDED IN THE STATE BUDGET . 27
(F) (1) THE TASK FORCE SHALL: 28 SENATE BILL 528 99
(I) STUDY AND MAKE RECOMM ENDATIONS REGARDING THE 1
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPL EMENTARY PROGRAMS , POLICIES, AND INCENTIVES 2
AIMED AT REDUCING GR EENHOUSE GAS EMISSIO NS FROM THE BUILDING SECTOR IN 3
ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SUBTITLE; AND 4
(II) MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON TARGETI NG INCENTIVES TO 5
ELECTRIFICATION PROJ ECTS THAT WOULD NOT OTHERWISE RESULT IN STRONG 6
RETURNS ON INVESTMEN T FOR BUILDING OWNER S; AND 7
(III) DEVELOP A PLAN FOR FU NDING THE RETROFIT O F 8
COVERED BUILDINGS TO COMPLY WITH BUILDING EMISSIONS STANDARDS . 9
(2) THE PLAN DEVELOPED UN DER THIS SUBSECTION MAY INCLUDE 10
RECOMMENDATIONS RELA TED TO: 11
(I) THE CREATION OF COMME RCIAL TAX CREDITS OR DIRECT 12
SUBSIDY PAYMENTS FOR BUILDING DECARBONIZA TION PROJECTS ; 13
(II) THE CREATION OF FINAN CIAL INCENTIVES THRO UGH 14
EMPOWER EMPOWER MARYLAND AND OTHER STATE PROGRAMS TO SUP PORT ALL 15
ASPECTS OF THE TRANS ITION TO ELECTRIFIED BUILDINGS; 16
(III) THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LOW–INCOME HOUSEHOLD 17
HOLISTIC RETROFIT TA RGETS AND HEAT PUMP SALES TARGETS ; AND 18
(IV) THE USE OF OPTIONS SU CH AS ON–BILL, LOW–INTEREST 19
FINANCING TO SPREAD OUT THE UP –FRONT COSTS ASSOCIAT ED WITH 20
ELECTRIFICATION RETR OFIT UPGRADES . 21
(G) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2023, THE TASK FORCE SHALL REPORT 22
ITS PLAN TO THE GOVERNOR AND , IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF THE STATE 23
GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 24
SECTION 8. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 25
(a) A Position Identification Number (PIN) shall be created in the Maryland 26
Energy Administration for the Coordinator of the Climate Transition and Clean Energy 27
Hub. 28
(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly that, with the exception of the new 29
Coordinator position and associated salary, the Maryland Energy Administration shall 30
handle the responsibilities of the Climate Transition and Clean Energy Hub with existing 31
resources. 32
100 SENATE BILL 528
SECTION 9. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 1
(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, it is the intent of the General Assembly 2
that the Public Service Commission continue with the submission of plans and making the 3
determinations required under Sections 2 and 3 of Chapters 14 and 780 of the Acts of the 4
General Assembly of 2017. 5
(b) The determination of the advisability of maintaining the methodology and 6
magnitude of the savings trajectory established in § 7–211(g)(2) of the Public Utilities 7
Article shall: 8
(1) take into account the changes made in § 7–211(g)(2) of the Public 9
Utilities Article, as enacted by Section 4 of this Act; and 10
(2) require that the core objective of the alteration to percentages for 2025 11
and later years under § 7–211 of the Public Utilities Article, as enacted by Section 4 of this 12
Act, change from electricity reduction to a portfolio of mutually reinforcing goals, including 13
greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy savings, net customer benefits, and reaching 14
underserved customers. 15
SECTION 10. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 16
(a) In alignment with the Commission on Climate Change’s recommendation to 17
transition to an all–electric building code in the State: 18
(1) the General Assembly supports moving toward broader electrification 19
of both existing buildings and new construction as a component of decarbonization; and 20
(2) it is the intent of the General Assembly that the State move toward 21
broader electrification of both existing buildings and new construction on completion of the 22
study required under subsection (b) of this section. 23
(b) (1) The Building Codes Administration shall: 24
(i) develop recommendations for an all–electric building code and 25
building energy performance standards for the State, including appropriate exemptions for 26
particular industries, including life sciences, as defined in § 3–201 of the Economic 27
Development Article, local conditions, and sectors deemed critical infrastructure vital to the 28
interest of national security as identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 29
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; 30
(ii) develop recommendations for the fastest and most cost–efficient 31
methods for decarbonizing buildings and other sectors in the State; 32
(iii) assess the availability of technology and equipment that will be 33
needed to construct all–electric buildings in the State; 34
SENATE BILL 528 101
(iv) assess the impact of building electrification on workforce 1
shortages; 2
(v) develop recommendations regarding efficient cost–effectiveness 3
measures for the electrification of new and existing buildings; and 4
(vi) on or before January 1, 2023, report to the Public Service 5
Commission on the projected annual and peak summer and winter gas and electric loading 6
impacts of electrification, categorized by building type and size, in sufficient detail for gas 7
and electric public service companies to develop the plans required under subsection 8
(c)(1)(i) of this section; and 9
(vii) consider recommendations for the inclusion of renewable, 10
low–carbon biofuels, including biodiesel, during the State’s transition to an all–electric 11
building code including an analysis of the impact on electric and gas rates, market 12
availability, and environmental impact. 13
(2) The Building Codes Administration may work with consultants and 14
experts to complete the study required under paragraph (1) of this subsection. 15
(3) (i) On or before January 1, 2023, the Building Codes Administration 16
shall make an interim report of its findings to the Legislative Policy Committee in 17
accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article. 18
(ii) On or before September December 1, 2023, the Building Codes 19
Administration shall make a final report of its findings and recommendations to the 20
Legislative Policy Committee in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article. 21
(c) (1) The Public Service Commission shall: 22
(i) require gas and electric public service companies in the State to 23
develop infrastructure plans to determine the investments necessary to accommodate the 24
additional load of building electrification and the decommissioning of stranded gas 25
facilities; and 26
(ii) determine whether the electric grid throughout the State is 27
capable of accommodating the additional load of building electrification considering the 28
infrastructure plans prepared under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph. 29
(2) (i) The Public Service Commission may work with consultants and 30
experts to complete the study required under paragraph (1) of this subsection. 31
(ii) Gas and electric public service companies shall provide 32
information to the Commission and its consultants and experts, as necessary, to complete 33
the study required under paragraph (1) of this subsection. 34
102 SENATE BILL 528
(3) (i) On or before January 1, 2023, the Public Service Commission 1
shall make an interim report of its findings to the Legislative Policy Committee in 2
accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article. 3
(ii) On or before September December 1, 2023, the Public Service 4
Commission shall make a final report of its findings and recommendations to the 5
Legislative Policy Committee in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article. 6
(c) (1) The Public Service Commission shall complete a general system 7
planning study, for gas and electric companies with total gross annual revenues equal to or 8
greater than 3% of the total gross annual revenues of all public service companies in the 9
State, assessing the capacity of each company’s gas and electric distribution systems to 10
successfully serve customers under a managed transition to a highly electrified building 11
sector. 12
(2) The study required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall: 13
(i) use a projection of average growth in system peak demand 14
between 2021 and 2031 to assess the overall impact on each gas and electric distribution 15
system; 16
(ii) compare future electric distribution system peak and energy 17
demand load growth to historic rates; 18
(iii) consider the impacts of energy efficiency and conservation and 19
electric load flexibility; 20
(iv) consider the capacity of the existing distribution systems and 21
projected electric distribution system improvements and expansions to serve existing electric 22
loads and projected electric load growth; and 23
(v) assess the effects of shifts in seasonal system gas and electric 24
loads. 25
(3) (i) The Public Service Commission may work with consultants and 26
experts to complete the study required under paragraph (1) of this subsection. 27
(ii) Gas and electric public service companies shall provide 28
information to the Commission and its consultants and experts, as necessary, to complete 29
the study required under paragraph (1) of this subsection. 30
(iii) The Commission may coordinate the preparation of the study 31
under this subsection with that required for the annual report under § 7–802 of the Public 32
Utilities Article, as enacted by Section 4 of this Act, and the interim reports required under 33
Section 14 of this Act. 34
SENATE BILL 528 103
(4) On or before June September 30, 2023, the Public Service Commission 1
shall report its findings to the Legislative Policy Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of 2
the State Government Article. 3
SECTION 11. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before October 1, 2023, 4
the Department of the Environment, in conjunction with the Department of General 5
Services and the Department of Natural Resources, shall report to the General Assembly, 6
in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on State properties that are 7
suitable for use as organics recycling facilities in a manner that is consistent with 8
Programmatic Recommendation 9 in the Final Report of the Yard Waste, Food Residuals, 9
and Other Organic Materials Diversion and Infrastructure Study Group issued in July 10
2019, as required by Chapters 383 and 384 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2017. 11
SECTION 12. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, with respect to the electric 12
school bus pilot program under § 7–217 of the Public Utilities Article, as enacted by Section 13
4 of this Act: 14
(1) the General Assembly encourages program applicants to seek any federal 15
funds that may be available to the applicants, including funds available under the federal 16
Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act; and 17
(2) where feasible, the General Assembly encourages pilot program 18
applicants to produce or procure electricity generated by renewable resources to power 19
electric school bus charging infrastructure. 20
SECTION 13. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 21
(a) The Maryland Green Building Council shall examine: 22
(1) the use of environmental product declarations to measure the climate 23
impact of concrete procured by the State; 24
(2) the use of performance incentives to encourage adoption of low–carbon 25
materials and methods by concrete manufacturers that provide concrete for State–funded 26
projects; 27
(3) the establishment of an expedited product evaluation, testing, and 28
approval protocol for low–carbon concrete products; 29
(4) the implementation of performance–based specification standards for 30
concrete, including requirements that a structural material achieve specified 31
performance–based outcomes from the use of structural material, including outcomes related 32
to strength, durability, permeability or other attributes related to the function of building 33
material for applied uses; and 34
(5) the use of methods of compliance, including maximum cement content 35
specifications and specifications based on maximum potential for global warming. 36 104 SENATE BILL 528
(b) In examining the items under subsection (a) of this section, the Maryland Green 1
Building Council shall consult with: 2
(1) any relevant associations that set industry standards for the 3
procurement of low–carbon concrete; and 4
(2) affected contractors and subcontractors to consider both environmental 5
and health and safety impacts. 6
(c) On or before December 1, 2022, the Maryland Green Building Council shall 7
report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 8
of the State Government Article, the General Assembly. 9
SECTION 14. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before December 31, 10
2022, and December 31, 2023, the Public Service Commission shall provide interim reports 11
on the status of matters required to be reported under § 7–802 of the Public Utilities Article, 12
as enacted by Section 4 of this Act, to the House Economic Matters Committee and the Senate 13
Finance Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article. 14
SECTION 10. 12. 15. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That § 7–237(c) of the Tax 15
– Property Article, as enacted under Section 4 of this Act, shall be applicable to all taxable 16
years beginning after June 30, 2022. 17
SECTION 16. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 3 of this Act shall 18
take effect June 1, 2022. It shall remain effective for a period of 4 8 years and 1 month and, 19
at the end of June 30, 2026 2030, Section 3 of this Act, with no further action required by 20
the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect. 21
SECTION 11. 13. 17. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 5 of this Act 22
shall take effect June 1, 2022. It shall remain effective for a period of 7 years and 7 months 23
and, at the end of December 31, 2029, Section 5 of this Act shall be abrogated and of no 24
further force and effect. 25
SECTION 12. 14. 18. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 6 of this Act 26
shall take effect upon the taking effect of the termination provision specified in Section 11 27
13 17 of this Act. 28
SECTION 13. 15. 19. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 7 of this Act 29
shall take effect June 1, 2022. It shall remain effective for a period of 2 years and 1 month 30
and, at the end of June 30, 2024, Section 7 of this Act, with no further action required by 31
the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect. 32
SECTION 14. 16. 20. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided 33
in Sections 10 12 16 through 13 15 19 of this Act, this Act shall take effect June 1, 2022. 34