Next Generation Energy Act increases the deployment of energy storage, alters how multi-year rate utility plans can be undertaken, and requires a fast-track procurement of new energy generation, excluding coal and oil. The bill also provides $200 million in direct energy relief to Marylanders. Finally, the bill strengthens oversight of Maryland’s gas utilities by reforming the STRIDE program so that companies must now demonstrate that infrastructure upgrades prioritize safety, provide value to customers, and are better than lower-cost alternatives like leak repair. Companies must also notify communities well in advance of any construction.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation - Total Assessed Cost of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Study and Reports requires the Comptroller with the Department of Commerce and the Maryland Department of the Environment to report the total cost of greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland by December 1, 2026. The Comptroller may hire a consultant to conduct the study.

Department of the Environment - Definition of Ecological Restoration defines "ecological restoration" as activity with the goal of recovering, re-establishing, or enhancing a degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystem through improvements to physical, chemical, or biological characteristics or processes, returning natural or historical functions or services, or protecting or improving resiliency.

Data Center Impact Analysis and Report requires the Department of the Environment, the Maryland Energy Administration, the University of Maryland School of Business, with the Department of Legislative Services, to conduct an analysis of the impacts of data center development on the state’s environment, energy, and economy by September 1, 2026.

Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act ensures that Maryland has accurate and reliable information when forecasting the State’s future energy needs. The bill establishes a Strategic Energy Planning Office, which will collaborate with the Public Service Commission, the Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Energy Administration to report key energy information.

Environment - Coal Combustion By-Products - Fees, Coordinating Committee, and Regulations aims to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of coal ash by aligning state and federal regulations and increasing the fees for power generators that produce coal ash waste.

Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment Act of 2024 establishes requirements and procedures for the installation and use of electric vehicle charging equipment, including the publishing of information and resources that make it easier for electric vehicle owners to safely install and keep up with regulations regarding their electric vehicle charging equipment.

Whole Watershed Act establishes the Whole Watershed Restoration Partnership to accelerate the restoration of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and their watersheds and creates the Whole Watershed Fund (WWF) which provides funding for projects that aid in this restoration.

Clean Water Justice Act of 2024 restores citizens' ability to sue to protect waterways cut from the federal Clean Water Act in Sackett v. EPA.

Protecting State Waters from PFAS Pollution Act tasks the Maryland Department of the Environment to identify the industrial source of PFAS (known as “forever” chemicals) and develop a plan to mitigate contamination.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans makes changes to the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Program that will result in lower utility bills for more Marylanders and allow the State to better meet its climate goals.