Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 368

Bill Title: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program

Bill Sponsor(s): The Speaker (By Request - Administration)

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: ECM

Bill Summary: Repealing the Maryland Renewable Energy Fund and establishing the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program in the Maryland Energy Administration; establishing the purpose of the Program; establishing the duties of the Administration under the Program; establishing the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund; providing that the Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund not subject to a specified law; etc.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: One of the major problems with HB 368 is its counterproductive impact of increasing electricity rates throughout the State. All rate classes and customers are expected to experience the increased electricity charges; however, this legislation would have an even larger consequence on industrial and commercial businesses. Industrial and commercial businesses are among the only group of ratepayers that will be exposed to increased costs without the Funds from the program being used to lower the costs of their overall bills. This circumstance is unjust and contrary to the presumed intent of RGGI when it was passed last year.

Additionally, the Bill does not provide for accountability or oversight regarding the management and use of the Funds to ensure reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.