ENERGIZE Maryland Act

The Empowering New Energy Resources and Green Initiatives Toward a Zero-Emission (ENERGIZE) Maryland Act (SB-434 & HB-505) is a legislative initiative aimed at accelerating Maryland’s transition to 100% clean energy.

KEY PROVISIONS:

1. Renames and Expands Energy Standards

   Replaces Maryland’s "renewable energy portfolio standard" with a "clean energy portfolio standard" that now includes nuclear energy and other zero-emission sources (previously excluded).

   
   

2. Aggressive Clean Energy Targets

   Utilities are required to source 68% of electricity from clean energy by 2028, progressing to a full 100% by 2035. Additionally, the Act sets specific sub-targets, including achieving 14.5% solar energy by 2030 and installing over 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind capacity.

   
   

3. Nuclear Energy Framework

   Creates a regulatory pathway for licensing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), requiring safety reviews and environmental justice assessments for new nuclear projects.

   
   

4. Streamlined Approval Processes

   Expands the Public Service Commission (PSC) authority to expedite approvals for offshore wind and nuclear, including interconnection standards with PJM.

   
   

NEXT STEPS AND TIMELINE:

1. COMMITTEE VOTE (Currently here)

   Committees vote to advance SB-434 to the Senate and HB-505 to the House; any differences are resolved by a joint committee.

2. FINAL VOTE

   Voted on by full Senate and House

3. GOVERNOR'S ACTION

   If passed, the Governor can sign into law.

   
   

If passed, the ENERGIZE Maryland Act the bill could take effect October 2025.

ENERGIZE Maryland Act 1-pager.pdf

Download PDF • 12.50MB

Sources:

1. https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/07leg/html/proc.html  

2. http://legiscan.com/MD/text/SB434/id/3071003  

3. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/fnotes/bil_0004/sb0434.pdf