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HB 799

Maryland Co-Location Energy Innovation and Reliability Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hornberger and 4 co-sponsors

HB 799 enables co-located energy facilities in Maryland to pair high-energy users with renewable generation, streamlining approvals to boost clean energy innovation while managing grid reliability concerns.

Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 799

Legislative bill overview

HB 799 establishes a framework for co-location energy facilities in Maryland, likely allowing data centers or other high-energy users to operate alongside renewable energy generation or storage systems on shared sites. The bill aims to balance energy innovation with grid reliability by creating regulatory pathways for these integrated energy projects.

Why is this important

Co-location facilities could accelerate Maryland's clean energy transition by pairing energy-intensive operations with renewable sources, reducing grid strain and emissions. However, this directly impacts land use, utility rates, environmental review processes, and how the state regulates emerging energy infrastructure—affecting both consumers and energy producers.

Potential points of contention

  • Data center regulation: The bill may facilitate rapid data center expansion (especially AI-related facilities), raising concerns about water usage, cooling demands, and whether co-location truly ensures environmental benefits versus simply enabling growth
  • Rate impacts: Unclear whether co-location arrangements could shift costs to other ratepayers or create preferential utility pricing for large facilities
  • Environmental review: Questions about whether expedited permitting for "innovation" projects adequately protects local communities, groundwater, and grid stability

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

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