Bill > HB145

This bill establishes the Green and Renewable Energy for Nonprofit Organizations Loan Program, which will provide no-interest loans to nonprofit organizations (defined as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities) for planning, purchasing, and installing qualifying energy systems that generate electricity or thermal energy on-site and help Maryland meet its environmental and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Maryland Energy Administration will manage the program, with loans available for energy system equipment and technical assistance. Borrowers must contribute at least 10% of the system's cost and provide repayment assurances, and the administration will prioritize organizations with annual budgets of $1 million or less. A special loan fund will be created, funded through state budget appropriations, transfers from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, and other public and private sources, with potential appropriations of $5 million in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. The administration must establish an application process by July 1, 2026, and develop guidelines considering factors like property ownership, energy usage, geographic and organizational diversity, and repayment processes. The program will take effect on July 1, 2026, with some provisions becoming active on July 1, 2025.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0145?ys=2025RS