Bill > SB923

This bill establishes three new funds and advisory councils within the Maryland Energy Administration to promote solar photovoltaic modules, energy storage systems, and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Specifically, it creates the Maryland Solar Photovoltaic Module Energy Security and Affordability Fund, the Maryland Energy Storage Energy Security and Affordability Fund, and the Maryland Zero-Emission Vehicle Energy Security and Affordability Fund. Each fund will be administered by a dedicated advisory council composed of industry representatives and stakeholders, with the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration or their designee serving as chair. These councils will be responsible for funding research, marketing, and educational campaigns to promote the benefits and affordability of these technologies, combat misinformation, and cooperate with relevant organizations. To generate revenue for these funds, the bill mandates surcharges on the sale of solar photovoltaic modules (a fee of $0.02 per watt of generating capacity), energy storage systems (a fee of $5 per kilowatt-hour of storage capacity), and zero-emission vehicles (a flat fee of $200 per vehicle), with provisions for these fees to be adjusted periodically and capped at a percentage of the wholesale value or the reasonable costs of the council. The bill also specifies that these funds are special, nonlapsing funds and outlines how they will be managed and invested, with the revenue intended to support the councils' promotional and educational activities.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0923?ys=2026RS