Questions remain about what energy legislation will actually pass this session in Maryland

MARYLAND (WBFF) — Energy affordability has been a major topic of discussion in Annapolis this legislative session, with lawmakers working to find ways to lower soaring energy bills. However, halfway through the session, which is set to end in April, it’s unclear what energy legislation will get passed.

“We’ve been working very closely and productively with our House counterparts on the budget and as well on the on this energy package,” Senate President Bill Ferguson said Friday. “Here’s the issue. It’s complex and it’s challenging. And, I would say it’s not about disagreement, it’s about trying to maximize our impact and trying to really make sure that we are lifting up every stone to find policies that will reduce costs for ratepayers and for everyday Marylanders on their electric bills.”

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“We’ve been meeting on a regular basis, evaluating all of the different bills. We have a number of, of incredibly talented legislators who brought some great ideas to bear. I’m hoping in the next week, week or two, we’ll be able to release a joint package, that will help to really provide some relief in the short, medium and longer term for Marylanders,” he added.

Numerous energy-related bills have been heard in House and Senate Committees, ranging from bills that impact utilities, those that would fund more clean energy projects, work to deal with some of the issues created by transmission lines and the increased loads of data centers, as well as proposals to get rid of or lower EmPower Maryland costs and withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. In addition to focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure, legislation proposed by Governor Wes Moore also includes another $40 energy rebate.

However, despite all of the bills that have been heard in committee so far, the only major energy bill to advance to the opposite chamber at this point is House Bill 1, which would require utility companies to pay employees receiving high compensation packages from shareholder dollars rather than ratepayer dollars.

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“There’s lots of different ideas, it can be challenging to move 45 separate bills, so I think that’s why sometimes you see bills get consolidated, so I think ultimately the Speaker will help us decide how to manage the floor schedule, but we’re still trying to collect the ideas and hope for the best polices for Maryland, so stay tuned,” Del. Marc Korman said during a press conference toward the end of February.