Solar Energy
SB 595/HB 1016 adds solar energy to the Renewable Portfolio Standard, making Maryland's solar energy requirement third highest in the nation. Under current law, solar companies are met with many obstacles in their efforts to bring more solar projects into Maryland. Maryland should be a leader in the use and development of clean, renewable energy sources. A greater reliance on solar energy is critical for the health of Maryland’s environment.

SB 595/HB 1016 passed both chambers and will now go to Governor O’Malley for his signature.

Full Funding for Program Open Space
 The budget proposed by Governor O’Malley and passed by the legislature includes full funding for Program Open Space in FY2008. Between 2002 and 2006, $480 million was taken from this dedicated fund.

Closing the Loophole for Open Space
SB 616/HB 475 would close the loophole that allows limited liability corporations (LLC) to transfer real estate without paying the real estate transfer tax-that goes to Program Open Space for land conservation. This bill is critical as the state currently loses countless sums of money each year due to this loophole.

HB 475 passed the House with a vote of 101-35. Unfortunately, the bills were not voted on in the Senate Committee.

Energy Efficiency
Public health and environmental quality in Maryland remain at risk from emissions resulting from energy consumption. One of the best ways to reduce air pollution and combat global warming is to use energy more efficiently. There were three major initiatives on energy efficiency during the 2007 session:

Utility Efficiency Programs
SB 562/HB 631 would restore energy efficiency programs for electric utility customers in Maryland.

The House bill passed the House with a vote of 136-0, but both bills were killed in the Senate committee.

Product Efficiency Standards
As introduced, SB 674/HB 909 would set minimum energy efficiency standards for 10 products sold in the state beginning in 2009, thereby saving Maryland consumers a projected $1 billion while and protecting the environment. The legislation would also ensure that electric utilities will purchase energy-efficient transformers for use on their electric distribution systems. After much debate, the bill was amended to remove two residential products.

SB 674 passed both chambers and now goes to the governor for his signature.

Heating/Cooling Incentives
SB 615/HB 595 would provide tax incentives to individuals who install high efficiency heating and cooling equipment.

SB 615 was never heard by committee and HB 595 was given an unfavorable report by committee.

Other Important Bills

Green Buildings
Legislation addressing high performance buildings, which save taxpayer dollars, are healthier for employees and better for our natural resources, passed in the 2007 session. HB 942 creates the “Maryland Green Building Council” and instructs it to evaluate existing high performance building technology and make recommendations on how the state can best build high performance state facilities.

HB 942 passed both chambers and now goes to the governor for his signature.

Solar Grant Program
Many bills were introduced during the 2007 session to expand the size and scope of the Solar Energy grant program as well as provide greater incentives for installing photovoltaic systems. We were pleased to see such bipartisan, geographically diverse support for this issue.

Ultimately, HB 590 passed both chambers and now goes to the governor for his signature. We look forward to working with the legislature again on refining the grant program.

Phosphorous-Free Dish Detergent
SB 766/HB 1131 makes major strides in eliminating phosphorus pollution in Maryland waterways by banning the sale of dishwashing detergent containing phosphorous. The Maryland General Assembly banned the use of laundry detergents containing phosphorus in 1985, resulting in significant decreases in phosphorus pollution in Maryland's waterways.

Both of these bills passed and are now in front of the Governor for his signature.