About Senate Bill 528
SENATE BILL 528 is a proposal setting a statewide phase-out of energy sources such as propane, heating oil, and natural gas for residential and commercial buildings by 2040. This bill has cost implications for Maryland businesses and consumers.
The hearing is scheduled in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee on 2/15 at 1:00 p.m.
This legislation includes:
Setting a state greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal of 60% reduction by 2030 and ultimately reaching net-zero emissions by 2045
That’s an increase in the current 2030 goal by 20% and a net-zero reduction five years ahead of the current schedule
Requiring the adoption of new building standards for the total phase-out of the use of fossil fuels in water & space heating by 2030 for the construction of new buildings
Mandating a 40% GHG reduction goal for all commercial buildings by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2040
Requiring owners of commercial buildings to measure and report GHG emission to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) beginning in 2025
For more information on this bill, please CLICK HERE
How to share your insights, thoughts, or concerns
Contact your District 36 State Delegation (Kent, Cecil, Queen Anne’s, Caroline Counties):
District 36 State Senator:
District 36 Delegates:
2/21/22 UPDATE:
During the hearing, on February 15, 2022, for Maryland's Senate's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 (SENATE BILL 528), opposition of the bill warned the proposed legislation would increase the demand on the state's electric grid and drive up the cost of energy. They mainly took issue with provisions that would require newly constructed buildings to begin the phase-out of fossil fuel use for water and space heating starting next year and the mandate for preexisting buildings over 25,000 square feet to reduce their emissions steadily over time. During the hearing, many people identified the bill's timeline as unrealistic, too expensive, and harmful to businesses.
Supporters of the bill argue now is the time to address climate change and help those communities that are most impacted by it.
This legislation includes:
Setting a state greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal of 60% reduction by 2030 and ultimately reaching net-zero emissions by 2045
That’s an increase in the current 2030 goal by 20% and a net-zero reduction five years ahead of the current schedule
Requiring the adoption of new building standards for the total phase-out of the use of fossil fuels in water & space heating by 2030 for the construction of new buildings
Mandating a 40% GHG reduction goal for all commercial buildings by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2040
Requiring owners of commercial buildings to measure and report GHG emission to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) beginning in 2025
