Bill > HB49

This bill amends Maryland's building energy performance standards to expand and clarify regulations for covered buildings. The bill modifies existing environmental regulations to include several important provisions: it adds new exemptions and considerations for specific types of buildings like healthcare facilities, laboratories, military buildings, and life sciences facilities; introduces provisions for crediting on-site renewable energy and biomethane use; and excludes certain energy uses from calculations, such as steam sterilization and emergency backup power. The bill requires the Department of the Environment to certify county-level building energy performance programs and mandates a comprehensive analysis of potential policy options, examining costs, benefits, and greenhouse gas reduction potential across different scenarios. Key changes include creating a $100 annual reporting fee per covered building, establishing more flexible compliance pathways for building owners, and providing special considerations for buildings with unique operational needs. The bill also expands definitions related to manufacturing, critical infrastructure, and life sciences, and requires the department to submit a detailed analysis of building energy performance standards by December 31, 2026, with recommendations for implementation strategies that consider various building types and potential financial impacts.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

Environment and Transportation (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0049?ys=2025RS