The Maryland League of Conservation Voters released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Coble regarding the General Assembly’s ongoing negotiations over the Utility RELIEF Act (HB 1532/SB 841):

April 6, 2026

“This session, Maryland LCV recognizes and appreciates the work by members of both the House and the Senate to enact policies that will lower ratepayers’ increasing utility bills. We also believe the best way to address the burden on ratepayers is to prioritize solutions that address affordability and promote clean air, healthy water, and climate-resilient communities.

“As the bill enters final negotiations, there are two essential elements that remain on the table. First, as specified in the House bill, ratepayer funds in the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) should be used specifically for programs that help lower Marylanders’ energy costs inside their homes, in their communities, and on their roads. Meaning, investments should be made in:

  • building clean energy and efficiency programs, including low-income household energy efficiency and school electrification
  • transportation-related emission reduction programs, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure and electric school bus deployment
  • electric system resiliency programs, including microgrid installation and resiliency hubs
  • grants and rebates to incentivize customers to install renewable on-site generating systems 

“Second, Maryland LCV supports the Net Energy Metering Reform (NEM) provision offered by the Senate. This proposal protects the viability of the solar industry, an indispensable component in the shared goal of lowering energy bills and achieving our climate goals. The Senate provision allows:

  • The continuation of the financing and near-term construction of over 480 MW of net metered projects, which are primarily community solar projects that have low- to moderate-income household participation requirements
  • Clean energy projects to be eligible for federal incentives
  • The extension of the current NEM program while a new program is defined. Closing the current program before a new one exists deprives investors of the market certainty they need.”

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters educates and activates people to take equitable and just political actions for clean water, healthy air, and climate-resilient communities for everyone in Maryland. Through political action, education, and accountability, Maryland LCV has been the state’s leading environmental advocacy organization for over 40 years.

###