Maryland Governor Signs Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Legislation

On April 24, 2008, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law several pieces of energy and climate change legislation.  Senate Bill 208, the High Performance Buildings Act, sets a statewide green building standard for public buildings, requiring that all new construction or major renovation projects that receive state funds must achieve either the LEED Silver standard or two Green Globes.  In addition, between 2009 and 2014, the act requires the state to pay for half of the additional cost required for public schools to meet the new green building standard.

Senate Bill 205, the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act of 2008, establishes a statewide goal of reducing per capita electricity consumption and peak energy demand by 15 percent by 2015.  Senate Bill 209 strengthens Maryland’s existing renewable portfolio standard, established in 2007.  Whereas the RPS previously required that 9.5 percent of Maryland’s energy needs must be met by renewable sources by 2022, SB 209 raises the goal to 20 percent by the same date.

Press Release
SB 208; SB 205; SB 209
RGGI
State Green Building Standards
State Energy Efficiency Standards
State Renewable Portfolio Standards