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SB 643

Public Utilities – Energy Generation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Beth Carozza and 3 co-sponsors

Affirms natural-gas-fired generation may be built and operated in Maryland under PSC oversight.

Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 643

SB 643 — Public Utilities: Energy Generation (Summary)

Status: Hearing scheduled 3/06/2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Introduced: Feb 20, 2025
Jurisdiction: Maryland (Article — Public Utilities)
Primary sponsors: Senators Gallion, Ready, Carozza, Salling (and others)

Purpose / Intent

SB 643 affirmatively states that energy-generating systems that produce electricity from natural gas may be constructed, permitted, and operated in the State, subject to existing Public Service Commission (PSC) requirements. The bill also expresses legislative support for expanding nuclear capacity (including small modular reactors and hybrid nuclear–natural gas configurations) and urges PJM Interconnection, LLC to expedite interconnection for new thermal generation resources in Maryland.

Key provisions

  • Adds § 7‑218 to the Public Utilities Article:
    • (A) Declares that, notwithstanding other law, natural gas–fired energy generating systems may be constructed, permitted, and operated in the State.
    • (B) Clarifies that persons constructing such systems must comply with existing statutory/regulatory requirements to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) or other PSC approvals required for construction.
  • Legislative findings (non‑binding): the General Assembly:
    • Supports development of additional nuclear energy capacity (including small modular reactors and nuclear–natural gas combinations) for reliable, low‑carbon energy.
    • Encourages PJM to provide an expedited interconnection process for new thermal generation resources sited in Maryland.
  • Effective date specified in the bill text: October 1, 2025 (if enacted).

Who is affected

  • Energy project developers and owners (natural‑gas and nuclear developers).
  • Investor‑owned utilities and other entities that seek to site or construct generation facilities subject to PSC oversight.
  • The Maryland Public Service Commission (implementation in permitting, CPCN reviews).
  • Regional grid operator PJM (policy encouragement regarding interconnection timelines).
  • Indirectly, electricity consumers and stakeholders concerned with reliability, emissions, and generation mix.

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Fiscal note (Maryland Department of Legislative Services): bill does not materially affect State finances or operations; natural gas provisions largely duplicate current practice.
  • Procedural status: introduced Feb 20, 2025; scheduled for committee hearing March 6, 2025 (Education, Energy, & the Environment). If enacted, the bill becomes effective Oct 1, 2025.

Potential implications

  • Reinforces legal clarity that natural‑gas generation remains permissible, subject to PSC authorization.
  • Signals legislative support for nuclear options (including SMRs) and for accelerating interconnection for thermal resources — potentially affecting generation investment decisions and PJM processes.
  • The bill itself does not change substantive PSC review standards (CPCN/approval requirements remain applicable), but it provides policy direction that could influence permitting and planning priorities.

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

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