Bill > SB373

This bill mandates the Governor to withdraw the State from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a program involving Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The bill removes existing provisions that established Maryland's participation in RGGI, including the definition of an "allowance" (representing one ton of carbon dioxide) and the requirement for the Governor to join the initiative. It also eliminates language related to the use of proceeds from the sale of RGGI allowances and their deposit into the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund, as well as provisions for a successor organization if RGGI expires. Additionally, the bill removes a clause that linked certain greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements for manufacturers to the State's implementation of RGGI and a provision for using RGGI offset opportunities in urban areas for air quality improvement. The bill's effective date is contingent on the State's withdrawal from RGGI and the Governor reporting to the General Assembly on the reasons for withdrawal and a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with a deadline of June 1, 2031, for these conditions to be met for the bill to take effect.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0373?ys=2026RS