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HB 902

Environment - Coal Combustion By-Products - Fees, Coordinating Committee, and Regulations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Allen and 12 co-sponsors

Maryland bill establishes fees, oversight committee, and regulations for managing coal power plant ash and slag to prevent groundwater contamination and environmental harm.

Motion Special Order until Next Session (Delegate Korman) Adopted
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Bill Summary · HB 902

Legislative bill overview

HB 902 establishes a regulatory and financial framework for managing coal combustion by-products (CCBs)—residual materials from coal-burning power plants including ash and slag. The bill creates a coordinating committee, implements fee structures on CCB generators, and authorizes the Maryland Department of the Environment to develop comprehensive regulations for storage, disposal, and beneficial use of these materials.

Why is this important

Coal combustion by-products can contain toxic elements like arsenic, mercury, and lead that pose environmental and public health risks if improperly managed. Maryland currently has limited state-level oversight of these materials, creating potential groundwater contamination and disposal liability issues. This bill addresses a regulatory gap while generating revenue through fees on the industries producing these wastes.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on industry: Fees on coal plant operators and CCB handlers could increase energy costs or reduce profitability, particularly for facilities already struggling economically as coal energy declines nationally
  • Beneficial use provisions: The bill likely permits "beneficial reuse" of CCBs (in concrete, road fill, etc.), which environmental groups may argue doesn't sufficiently restrict materials containing hazardous substances
  • Enforcement capacity: Creating new regulatory authority requires adequate state funding and expertise; unclear whether fee revenue will be sufficient to implement robust monitoring and enforcement programs

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

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