Bill > SB716

This bill fundamentally transforms Maryland's renewable energy landscape by incorporating nuclear energy as a significant component of the state's renewable energy portfolio standard. The legislation defines nuclear energy reactors and establishes a framework for including nuclear energy as a Tier 1 renewable source, gradually increasing the percentage of nuclear energy in the state's renewable energy mix from 4% in 2026 to 50% by 2040. The bill creates a Nuclear Energy Reactor Incentive Program, which will generate certified nuclear renewable energy credits (NRECs) with a value between $50 and $75 per megawatt-hour. The Public Service Commission will oversee a procurement process for nuclear energy generation projects, evaluating applications based on criteria such as cost impact on ratepayers, economic and environmental benefits, and community engagement. Applicants must submit detailed project plans, including financial analyses, decommissioning strategies, and commitments to using skilled labor and minority-owned businesses. The bill also mandates community benefit agreements to ensure local economic opportunities, workforce development, and safe project completion. Importantly, the bill allows the Commission to incrementally reduce the nuclear energy percentage requirement starting in 2040 to encourage the development of other clean energy technologies, while ensuring that nuclear energy projects do not create financial obligations for the state.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0716?ys=2025RS