Maryland 50% RPS Bill To Become Law As Governor Won't Veto

Maryland's 50% RPS bill, SB0516, will become law as Governor Larry Hogan said that he won't veto the bill

Hogan will allow the bill to take effect without his signature, though he expressed several concerns with the bill.

Hogan instead outlined a Clean and Renewable Energy Standard (CARES), proposing 100% 'clean' (zero carbon) electricity by 2040.

Hogan's vision specifically includes, among other things,

• Recognizing the "clean and safe" aspects of nuclear energy

• Supporting hydropower

Hogan did not outline specific policies to achieve these goals.

SB0516 gradually increases the RPS each year to 50% by 2030

Notably, the bill also increases the solar carve-out effective in 2019. The carve-out jumps from the original 1.95% required in 2019 to 5.5% now required in 2019, gradually increasing to equal 14.5% by 2030

If the actual or projected dollar–for–dollar cost incurred or to be incurred by an electricity supplier solely for the purchase of Tier 1 renewable energy credits derived from solar energy in any 1 year is greater than or equal to, or is anticipated to be greater than or equal to, 6.0% of the electricity supplier’s total annual electricity sales revenues in Maryland, the electricity supplier may request that the PSC: (i) delay by 1 year each of the scheduled percentages for solar energy that would apply to the electricity supplier; and (ii) allow the renewable energy portfolio standard for solar energy for that year to continue to apply to the electricity supplier for the following year

Additionally, the bill requires that electric suppliers submit to the PSC a report that, "documents the level of participation of minority business enterprises and minorities in the activities that support the creation of renewable energy credits used to satisfy the standard under § 7–703 of this subtitle [the RPS standards], including development, installation, and operation of generating facilities that create credits."

The bill also provides for a second round of offshore wind applications