As the new home of Maryland PIRG's environmental work, Environment Maryland can be contacted regarding this update.
Priority Bills
The General Assembly passed nine bills that MaryPIRG put a lot of effort into. On each of these, MaryPIRG prepared and delivered testimony for committee hearings, held numerous individual meetings with legislators, issued news releases and generated grassroots support.
Renewable Energy Standard (SB869/HB1308)
Requires Maryland utilities to get 7.5 percent of their electricity from clean, renewable sources.
Chesapeake Bay Buffer Zones (SB694/HB1009)
Strengthens protections for wilderness areas on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Sewage Treatment (SB320/HB 555)
Creates a fee of $2.50 per month per household to pay for upgrades to the state’s biggest sewage treatment plants and upgrades to septic systems.
Mercury (HB136)
Establishes stronger guidelines on the use and disposal of products containing mercury.
Transportation Funding (SB898/HB1467)
The Maryland Department of Transportation made commitments to advancing new transit lines in order to win approval for increased transportation revenue.
Net Metering (HB1269)
Encourages the installation of solar panels by allowing the electricity meter to run backward when panels are creating more electricity than a building is using. This bill expands eligibility to businesses and to small wind turbines.
Farebox Recovery (SB282/HB682)
Continues current levels of state funding for public transit rather than reverting back to more restrictive levels.
Other Bills Backed by MaryPIRG
In addition, the legislature passed six other bills that MaryPIRG supported by testifying at committee hearings and speaking about during direct meetings with legislators.
Electronic Waste (HB109)
Directs the Maryland Department of the Environment to establish an “electronics take-back” program to reduce the amount of computers and other electronic waste entering landfills and the environment.
Water Pollution Fraud (SB65)
Increases penalties for knowingly making false statements in documents related to water pollution permits or tampering with water pollution monitoring devices.
Permit Denial for Violators (SB116)
Requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to consider past permit violations by an applicant when they determine whether to issue or renew a permit or license.
Solar Panel Grant Program (SB485/HB714)
A one-year extension of Maryland’s grant program for the installation of solar panels.