Maryland Senate Bill SB924

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/22
• Refer: 2/11/22

Caption

Environment – Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure – Environmental Justice Considerations

Impact

The enactment of SB 924 is expected to have a significant impact on how state agencies approach the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations. By prioritizing environmental justice, the legislation aims to address historical inequities in access to clean energy resources. This could result in a more equitable distribution of EV charging stations, particularly in underserved communities that have been historically marginalized in environmental planning. This focus is crucial in supporting broader state goals for sustainable transportation development and environmental fairness.

Summary

Senate Bill 924 is a legislative measure aimed at enhancing the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Maryland by integrating environmental justice considerations into the site selection process. The bill mandates that all state governmental units involved in the development or public funding of EV infrastructure must adhere to specific environmental justice guidelines. This requirement seeks to ensure that disadvantaged communities are not left behind in the transition to electric vehicles and that they benefit from the development of necessary infrastructure.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB 924 indicate varying viewpoints among stakeholders. Proponents argue that integrating environmental justice into infrastructure development is necessary for fostering inclusivity and addressing the needs of communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change. Opponents may express concerns regarding potential bureaucratic overreach or delays in the funding and deployment processes. Furthermore, some may question the effectiveness of the guidelines in achieving genuine equity in the EV charging landscape or insist on more flexible criteria to streamline development.