Bill
SB 950
Authorizes new natural gas generation in Maryland until 50% of energy comes from renewables (incl. nuclear); after that, MEA coordinates a phase-down as renewables rise.
Status & Key Dates
- Bill number: SB 950
- Introduced: January 28, 2025
- Committee: Education, Energy, and the Environment (hearing scheduled 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.)
- Effective date (if enacted): October 1, 2025
- Companion/related bill: HB 1217 (Delegate Buckel, et al.)
- DLS Fiscal Note published (first reader)
Purpose / Intent
- To explicitly authorize the construction, permitting, and operation of natural gas–fired electricity generating facilities in Maryland until the State meets a specified clean-energy threshold (50% of the State’s energy needs met from renewable energy resources, including nuclear energy).
- To require a coordinated phase-down of natural gas generation once that 50% threshold is achieved.
Major Provisions
- Adds a new section (Art. — Public Utilities §7‑218) that:
- Authorizes natural gas generating facilities to be constructed, permitted, and operated in Maryland notwithstanding other law, until the State reaches 50% of its energy needs from renewable resources (including nuclear).
- Requires any person constructing such a facility to obtain either:
- A Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) under §7‑207, or
- Commission approval under §7‑207.1.
- Directs the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), once the 50% threshold is met, to work with owners/operators of natural gas generators to decrease energy production from natural gas “at the same rate” that energy from renewables (including nuclear) increases.
Fiscal and Administrative Impact
- Department of Legislative Services estimates a one‑time increase in MEA special fund expenditures of up to $150,000 for consultant support (as early as FY 2026) to assist MEA in preparing to coordinate the phase‑down.
- Otherwise, the bill is not expected to materially affect State or local finances or operations. Small business impacts are minimal per the fiscal note.
Key Uncertainties and Context
- Measurement/timing uncertainty: DLS notes it is unclear when the 50% threshold would be reached because Maryland imports a substantial share of its electricity. In‑state nuclear + renewable generation was about 29% of electricity used in Maryland in 2022 after adjusting for imports, though in‑state generation composition can differ from electricity consumed in‑state.
- Interaction with existing law: The PSC retains authority over CPCNs and will still evaluate GHG impacts and consistency with climate commitments during CPCN review. The bill’s “notwithstanding” language may alter how other statutory restrictions are applied to new gas projects.
- Overlaps with Maryland climate policy (e.g., Climate Solutions Now Act, RGGI) — the bill could affect emissions trajectories and planning, depending on the pace of renewable and nuclear deployment.
Who is affected
- Natural gas power plant developers and owners/operators, the Public Service Commission (regulatory reviews), MEA (implementation/coordinating role), electricity markets, and potentially emissions/regulatory programs and ratepayers depending on deployment and retirement choices.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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