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HB 49

Environment - Building Energy Performance Standards - Alterations and Analysis

2025 Regular Session

HB 49 requires Maryland buildings to meet energy efficiency performance standards with compliance tracking and analysis, driving emissions reductions through mandatory energy benchmarking and upgrades.

Enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution - Chapter 844
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Bill Summary · HB 49

Legislative bill overview

HB 49 establishes building energy performance standards (BEPS) for Maryland properties, requiring buildings to meet specified energy efficiency benchmarks. The bill includes provisions for alterations to existing buildings and mandates analysis of energy consumption data to track compliance and progress toward state sustainability goals.

Why is this important

Building energy consumption accounts for a significant portion of Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions, so these standards directly support the state's climate commitments. The bill creates enforceable requirements that push building owners toward retrofits and efficiency improvements, potentially reducing utility costs long-term while advancing decarbonization efforts.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Property owners may face significant expenses for retrofitting existing buildings to meet performance standards, potentially passed to tenants through rent increases
  • Exemptions and timelines: Disputes may arise over which buildings are covered, which receive exemptions, and whether compliance deadlines are realistic for different property types
  • Measurement methodology: Disagreement over how energy performance is calculated, what baseline data applies, and whether standards fairly account for building age, use type, and regional climate variations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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