Regulatory Submissions

On February 15, APGA submitted unfavorable comments as a part of the hearing docket for Maryland Senate Bill 528, Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. This legislation will require the adoption of new standards for the total phase out of the use of natural gas in water and space heating by 2030 in the construction of new buildings. Also, there is a mandate of 40 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction for all commercial buildings by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2040. As well, owners of commercial buildings are required to measure and report GHG emission to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) beginning in 2025.

To APGA, this proposal is a total phase-out of natural gas for residential and commercial buildings by 2040, which can have drastic implications on APGA’s Maryland member, not to mention cost impacts for Maryland businesses and consumers, all with questionable benefit to the environment. The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 also has the chance to be precedential for other legislatures.

Fortunately, many states have passed “energy choice” or “ban the ban” bills to prevent legislators from mandating electrification. There is potential for others to pass this type of bill in 2022. APGA staff believes it is important to support members at the state and local level, especially on these potentially very impactful laws.