Proposed bill would require Maryland to adopt energy-efficient building standards

BALTIMORE -- A group of Maryland lawmakers, along with housing and climate advocates are pushing for a proposed bill that would require new buildings to follow standards that maximize energy efficiency and lower energy bills. 

The Better Buildings Act, or HB973, would update Maryland's Building Performance Standards to include energy conservation requirements, ensure certain buildings are electric- and solar-ready, and require that new buildings meet heating and water demands without fossil fuels.

The bill would require the state's Department of Labor to hold public hearings before implementing the building standards. The standards would apply to any building or structure in the state where a building permit application was received after August 1, 1995. 

The Department of Labor would also be required to adopt the regulations of the 2018 International Green Construction Code. The code sets standards for sustainability, environmental quality, materials and construction methods.

Under the proposed bill, new buildings or those undergoing significant improvements would have to be solar-ready if they have 20,000 square feet or more of roof space and are 20 stories or less. 

The solar-ready requirement would be waived if the building meets the following conditions: 

• It has emergency backup power systems 
• It is designed for a commercial food establishment, laundromat, hospital or crematorium 
• It cannot use energy generated from a source other than fossil fuels 
• Funding is not sufficient

If solar requirements are waived, the building would still need to find ways to minimize fossil fuel emissions, maximize safety and fire protection and comply with electric-ready standards. 

Studies on shadows and solar radiation would also be used to determine if requirements can be waived. 

Supporters of the bill say setting healthy building standards can produce cleaner air and provide relief during extreme temperatures while burning fossil fuels to heat a home emits three times as much pollution as the state's power sector. 

The proposed legislation has a hearing in the House on Feb. 26. 

Utility prices increase in Maryland 

Rising utility prices in parts of Maryland sparked concerns for some residents and business owners in January, with some Baltimore-area homeowners reporting a more than $200 increase in their electric bill. 

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) said increases in utility bills are to be expected in the first six months of the year, and advised customers to drop their thermostats and adjust their water heaters. 

Concerns continued, however, prompting the utility company to waive late fees and pause service disconnections on Feb. 3. BGE blamed the "unanticipated high bills" on the extremely cold weather, increase in gas and electric and increase in cost to improve their systems. 

In Baltimore, residents also expressed concerns after the city's Board of Estimates voted to raise the Department of Public Works water and sewer rates over the next three years. 

The department said the rate increase was necessary to maintain the city's finances and update water and wastewater infrastructure. 

Maryland leaders respond

In response to rising utility prices, Maryland lawmakers introduced the Ratepayer Protection Act which would require gas companies to prioritize lowering spending on pipeline projects instead of raising customer rates. 

The Baltimore City Council also took a stand against rising BGE rates, saying Tuesday that they plan to demand better from BGE and ensure the Public Service Commission, which oversees the gas company, understands its responsibility to residents. 

The counsel's Legislative Investigation Committee will hold public hearings and request BGE's cooperation to address high costs.