Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 753

Bill Title: Electric Generating Facility Decommissioning and Restoration - Surcharge or Bond or Other Security - Fund

Bill Sponsor(s): Del. Beitzel

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: ECM

Bill Summary: This bill would require the Public Service Commission to establish a surcharge on electric generating facilities to decommission plants.

History: This bill received an UNF report by the Economic Matters Committee.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The bill really creates a new tax on generating companies that will be passed on to electric consumers. The bill is unnecessary, because there is currently no such requirement, and regulatory programs are already in place make sure any sites decommissioned are adequately left in proper order. It is an unnecessary intrusion on PSC authority, and it will discourage generation, which is counterproductive in this electric reliability constrained era. The discouragement includes clean generating sources, such as wind and solar, along with traditional sources, which are needed to meet our very progressive renewable requirement. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposes this bill.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

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