This week, the Senate President and House Speaker joined with multiple co-sponsors and supporters to announce multiple bills, targeting multifold concerns with the energy landscape in Maryland. Three bills have since been introduced: focusing on generation and capacity, transmission and delivery, and clean energy siting. Anticipate much attention on these topics in the weeks ahead.
Energy has grabbed the spotlight in Annapolis. Ratepayer and resident concerns over rising electric bills, a tumultuous roll-out of a multi-state transmission project crossing Maryland, and the ongoing clash of the ideal siting of solar energy sites into communities and farmlands — all have led to the high-profile announcement of multiple bills seeking to address these high-profile topics.
For more coverage of the leadership announcement, read Maryland Matters coverage online.
The three bills that have since been introduced:
- SB 937 / HB 1035 – Next Generation Energy Act
- SB 909 / HB 1037 – Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act
- SB 931 / HB 1036 – Renewable Energy Certainty Act
Stakeholders have been advised that the legislation may be heard in a joint, two-chamber hearing, in early March – to best allow the many affected stakeholders their opportunity to participate in the discussion over each effectively.
The Renewable Energy Certainty Act is likely to have the largest direct county government impact, as it speaks to the siting process for various energy generation projects, where MACo and county leaders have generally argued for community input on safety standards, livability conditions, and the like.
One of MACo’s top priority initiatives for the 2025 session revolves around solar energy siting:
ADVANCE SOLAR SITING WITH A BALANCED APPROACH
Maryland, along with the broader region, faces a daunting energy crisis. Recent capacity auctions indicate a spike in utility rates, and state data shows energy demand far outpacing in-state production, making Maryland ratepayers even more susceptible to peak demand price hikes.
In-state clean energy is undoubtedly part of the best path forward. As policymakers in Annapolis confront this challenge, counties favor a broad-based approach that balances multiple climate and environmental objectives without sacrificing communities’ ability to influence their character.
Continue to follow Conduit Street for details on MACo efforts in Annapolis, and county participation in the legislative process.
