Washington's War on Clean Energy Will Hit Maryland Families Where It Hurts Most
The Reconcillation Bill (HR1) - Higher energy bills, lost jobs, and dirtier air.
While Maryland has been leading the nation in climate action and clean energy progress, dangerous legislation moving through Congress threatens to undermine everything we've worked to achieve, and it will cost Maryland families dearly.
House Republicans have passed what amounts to the most anti-environmental bill in our nation's history. This sweeping legislation attacks the investments that are lowering energy costs, creating good-paying jobs, and cleaning up the air our children breathe.
What This Means for Maryland Families
Your energy bills will go up.
At a time when families are already struggling with costs, this legislation would eliminate the clean energy tax credits that are helping drive down electricity prices. Early estimates show that repealing these credits would raise electricity costs by more than $110 per year for American households starting next year.
Your job security is at risk.
Maryland has seen tremendous growth in clean energy manufacturing and installation jobs. Our region has benefited from clean energy investments that have created hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide. This legislation would gut those investments.
Your air will get dirtier.
The bill eliminates pollution reduction programs that reduce emissions from dirty diesel trucks and buses and help communities track harmful air pollution. For Maryland communities already dealing with poor air quality, this is a direct threat to public health.
An Assault on Maryland's Clean Energy Progress
Maryland has been a national leader in transitioning to clean energy. Solar, wind, and battery storage accounted for 93% of all new American energy supply in 2024. Our state has ambitious climate goals, robust clean energy programs, and a commitment to environmental justice that ensures the benefits of clean energy reach every community.
But this federal legislation would undo all of that progress.
The bill's attack on clean energy tax credits isn't just bad policy, it's economic sabotage. These credits were designed to give businesses the long-term certainty they need to make major investments in American clean energy manufacturing. By eliminating or severely restricting these programs, Congress would bankrupt companies in the early stages of development and kill projects that would have provided enough clean power for 15 million homes.
Why This Is Happening
This assault on clean energy is not about fiscal responsibility, nor good governance.
The legislation includes provisions that would:
- Sell off our public lands and waters to polluting corporations
- Create pay-to-play schemes for oil and gas executives to fast-track polluting infrastructure
- Eliminate community input and environmental review for drilling and pipeline projects
- Cut funding that helps communities track and reduce harmful pollution
Maryland Must Lead the Resistance
While the majority of Maryland's Congressional delegation is speaking out against the harm this bill will cause, we need all of our voices to make it clear this bill does not reflect our values, nor our interests. We must continue building our clean energy economy from the ground up, creating good jobs and lower energy costs for Maryland families regardless of what happens in Congress.
In Maryland we will:
- Support Maryland's clean energy companies and workers who are building our sustainable future
- Advocate for state-level policies that protect our progress on climate action
- Ensure that Maryland continues to lead on environmental justice, especially as federal protections come under attack
- Build the political power necessary to elect leaders who will fight for clean air, clean water, and a livable climate
The Choice Is Clear
Washington may be choosing billionaire tax cuts over working families, but Maryland has a different vision. We believe in an economy that works for everyone. One that creates good jobs, lowers energy costs, and protects the health of our communities.
We believe that our children deserve clean air to breathe and a stable climate to inherit.
The fight for Maryland's environmental future isn't just happening in Annapolis, it's happening in Washington too. And while federal politicians may be willing to sell out our clean energy progress for political gain, Maryland LCV will keep fighting for the policies and leaders our communities need.