Bill > SB882

This bill establishes a new Coal Transportation Fee and Fossil Fuel Mitigation Fund in Maryland designed to address environmental and climate change impacts. The bill imposes a $13 per short ton fee on carriers transporting coal within the state, with an exemption for coal solely used on farms. The collected fees will be deposited into a new Fossil Fuel Mitigation Fund, which is intended to support activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The fund will allocate money across several key areas: up to 23% for home energy efficiency, 23% for reducing emissions in buildings, 22% for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, 20% for mass transit, 2% for asthma treatment in coal-impacted communities, and 1% for public awareness campaigns. Importantly, at least 40% of the funding must address climate change impacts in "overburdened" and "underserved" communities, which are defined by specific environmental and socioeconomic indicators. The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Clean Energy Center will administer the fund, with provisions allowing the Clean Energy Center to issue low-interest bonds for authorized programs. The bill specifies that this funding is supplemental to existing appropriations and is not meant to replace other fossil fuel mitigation efforts. The fee and fund will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0882?ys=2025RS