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MD HB1525

MD HB1525
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, EmPOWER Energy Efficiency Programs, and Community Solar Energy Generating Systems


summary

Introduced
02/13/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Requiring the Governor to withdraw the State from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative by January 1, 2027; authorizing the State to rejoin the Initiative if all other states served by PJM Interconnection become full Members, or the State becomes and remains a net exporter of electricity; eliminating the surcharge that allows recovery of costs to utilities from the EmPOWER energy efficiency programs; providing that a certain tariff may not require an electric company to purchase or provide a certain bill credit; etc.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that the Governor withdraw the State from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a program involving Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, by January 1, 2027, with provisions allowing the State to rejoin if all other states served by PJM Interconnection (a regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid) become full members or if the State becomes and remains a net exporter of electricity, meaning it produces more electricity than it consumes. Additionally, the bill eliminates a surcharge that utilities currently use to recover costs for EmPOWER energy efficiency programs, which are designed to promote the efficient use and conservation of energy, and clarifies that a community solar energy generating systems program tariff cannot require an electric company to purchase or provide a bill credit for solar energy at a rate higher than the cost of electricity provided through standard offer service.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (13)

Last Action

House Environment and Transportation Hearing (13:00:00 3/10/2026 ) (on 03/10/2026)

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