Bill > H909

This bill establishes a grant and loan program within the executive office of energy and environmental affairs to help small businesses and municipalities transition to low noise, low emissions landscape maintenance equipment. Specifically, the program allows eligible entities to receive financial support for replacing gas-powered landscaping tools with electric alternatives. To qualify for grants, businesses and municipalities must surrender their existing gas-powered equipment and replace it on a one-for-one basis with electric equipment. The grants and loans can be used for purchasing electric landscape maintenance equipment, training staff on using the new equipment, covering operational costs during the transition, and other related expenses. The bill creates a dedicated Low Noise, Low Emissions Landscape Maintenance Equipment Trust Fund, which will be managed by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, with loans carrying zero percent interest. Funds in the trust will not be subject to typical appropriation rules and can roll over from year to year. The secretary is required to submit an annual report by August 1st detailing the fund's expenditure activities to legislative committees. This initiative aims to support the adoption of more environmentally friendly and quieter landscaping equipment across small businesses and local municipalities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H909