2024 Legislative Voting Guide
Below is a guide for legislators on how to vote on key environmental issues.
House Bills
Vote YES on HB 1435
Brighter Tomorrow Act
This act accelerates Maryland's solar energy adoption by extending tax exemptions for community solar projects and establishing a consistent Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) structure for ground-mounted solar installations.
Vote YES on HB 0352
$90 Million Climate Funding (BRFA)
Governor Wes Moore's administration allocated $90 million explicitly for climate initiatives, with at least 50% of the funding dedicated to uplifting historically overburdened and underserved communities.
Vote YES on HB 0990
Removing Manufacturers Exemption from GGRA
This bill removes the exemption for manufacturers from Maryland's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act (GGRA), ensuring that all sectors contribute equitably to the state's climate goals.
Vote YES on HB 0864
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (EmPOWER Reform)
This reform updates Maryland's successful EmPOWER energy efficiency program, setting clear greenhouse gas reduction targets and introducing incentives for adopting efficient electric appliances and heating.
Vote YES on HB 0993
Maryland Climate Education Week
This legislation establishes the first week of April as Maryland Climate Education Week, urging residents of all ages to participate in educational activities and initiatives that promote awareness of climate change and to take action toward the state's climate commitments.
Vote YES on HB 1008
Fossil Fuel Transportation Fee - Climate Pollution Reduction Fund Act
This act places a fossil fuel transportation fee on persons transporting fossil fuels in the state. The revenue generated from this fee will be allocated to the Fossil Fuel Mitigation Fund to support activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and their impacts in Maryland.
Vote YES on HB 0836
Transportation and Climate Alignment Act
This act requires the Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to perform impact assessments for major highway capacity expansion projects, analyzing the project's net change in greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled, as well as the impact of any induced demand.
Vote YES on HB 0449
Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program
This legislation requires at least 40% of funding provided under the comprehensive flood management grant program to be used for projects located in or directly benefiting underserved or overburdened communities and areas at extreme risk of flooding.
Vote YES on HB 1101
Clean Water Justice Act of 2024
This act provides certain persons and associations standing in environmental and natural resources protection proceedings, subject to specific conditions.
Senate Bills
Vote YES on SB 0783
Brighter Tomorrow Act
This act accelerates Maryland's solar energy adoption by extending tax exemptions for community solar projects and establishing a consistent Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) structure for ground-mounted solar installations.
Vote YES on SB 0362
$90 Million Climate Funding (BRFA)
Governor Wes Moore's administration allocated $90 million explicitly for climate initiatives, with at least 50% of the funding dedicated to uplifting historically overburdened and underserved communities.
Vote YES on SB 0681
Transportation and Climate Alignment Act
This act requires the Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to perform impact assessments for major highway capacity expansion projects, analyzing the project's net change in greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled, as well as the impact of any induced demand.
Vote YES on SB 0148
Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program
This legislation requires at least 40% of funding provided under the comprehensive flood management grant program to be used for projects located in or directly benefiting underserved or overburdened communities and areas at extreme risk of flooding.
Vote YES on SB 0653
Clean Water Justice Act of 2024
This act provides certain persons and associations standing in environmental and natural resources protection proceedings, subject to specific conditions.