reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 6 - Enforcement; Penalties › Section 2-612 - Noncompliance Penalty

(a)    The Secretary may adopt rules and regulations that:
(1)    Are patterned after § 120 of the federal Clean Air Act and the federal regulations adopted under § 120 of the federal Clean Air Act; and
(2)    Specify:
(i)    The circumstances under which a person who violates this title is subject to a noncompliance penalty equal to the economic benefit that accrues to the person because of noncompliance;
(ii)    The method of calculating the noncompliance penalty;
(iii)    The manner of payment of the noncompliance penalty; and
(iv)    The circumstances under which a noncompliance penalty collected under this section is subject to rebate.
(b)    (1)    If a person fails to pay a noncompliance penalty in a timely manner, the Secretary may require the person to pay an additional nonpayment penalty for each quarter that the noncompliance penalty remains unpaid.
(2)    The nonpayment penalty shall equal 20 percent of the total of the person’s noncompliance penalties and nonpayment penalties that remain unpaid at the beginning of the quarter.
(c)    If a person fails to pay a noncompliance penalty or nonpayment penalty imposed under this section, the Department may bring an action to collect the penalty in the same manner as a civil penalty is collected under § 2-610 of this subtitle.
(d)    An action under this section to collect a noncompliance penalty is in addition to and not instead of:
(1)    An action under § 2-609 of this subtitle; or
(2)    Any other relief under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 10 - Healthy Air Act › Section 2-1001 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Affected facility” means an electricity generating unit in the State that includes a coal fired boiler or indirect heat exchanger that was exempted from the Prevention of Significant Deterioration review under Title 1 of the 1977 federal Clean Air Act.
(2)    “Affected facility” includes:
(i)    H.A. Wagner, units 2 and 3;
(ii)    Subject to § 2-1003(c) of this subtitle, R.P. Smith, units 3 and 4;
(iii)    Morgantown Generating Station, units 1 and 2;
(iv)    Dickerson, units 1, 2, and 3;
(v)    C.P. Crane, units 1 and 2;
(vi)    Chalk Point Generating Station, units 1 and 2; and
(vii)    Brandon Shores, units 1 and 2.
(3)    “Affected facility” does not include any electricity generating unit:
(i)    That operates in combination with equipment used to recover useful thermal energy for industrial, commercial, heating, or cooling purposes through sequential use of energy; or
(ii)    That supplies in any calendar year less than one-half of the electricity generated by such unit to any utility power distribution system for sale.
(c)    “Allowance” means:
(1)    One ton of sulfur dioxide that may be bought, sold, traded, or banked for use under the Acid Rain Program in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; or
(2)    One ton of oxides of nitrogen that may be bought, sold, traded, or banked for use under the Nitrogen Oxides Budget Trading Program in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
(d)    “PJM Region” has the meaning stated under § 7–701 of the Public Utilities Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 10 - Healthy Air Act › Section 2-1003 - Report

(a)    Beginning December 1, 2007, and each year thereafter, a person that owns, leases, operates, or controls an affected facility shall submit to the Department, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Public Service Commission, a report that includes:
(1)    Emissions performance results related to compliance with the emissions requirements under § 2-1002 of this subtitle;
(2)    The number of pounds of oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, mercury, and carbon dioxide emitted during the previous calendar year from the affected facility;
(3)    A current compliance plan; and
(4)    Any other information requested by the Department.
(b)    The Department shall review the information submitted under this section to determine whether the actual and proposed modifications and permit and construction schedules are adequate to achieve the emissions requirements under this subtitle and shall make these determinations publicly available on an annual basis.
(c)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department shall allow the R.P. Smith facility, units 3 and 4, to operate without complying with the emissions requirements under this subtitle if PJM Interconnection, Inc. determines that the termination of operation of the facility will adversely affect the reliability of electrical service in the PJM region.
(2)    If the Department allows the R.P. Smith facility, units 3 and 4, to operate without complying with the emissions requirements under this subtitle in accordance with this subsection:
(i)    The facility may not operate at emissions levels greater than the highest level measured at the facility during the calendar years 2000 through 2004; and
(ii)    The Department shall review the operations of the facility and adopt regulations to establish an alternative emissions requirement for the facility.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 10 - Healthy Air Act › Section 2-1005 - Penalties

(a)    (1)    The allowance penalty provisions of this section are in addition to the administrative and civil penalty provisions provided under §§ 2-604, 2-609, 2-610, and 2-610.1 of this title.
(2)    Each one-half ounce of mercury and each ton of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides emitted in excess of the limitations set forth or imposed in accordance with § 2-1002 of this subtitle shall be a separate violation under §§ 2-610 and 2-610.1 of this title.
(b)    If, in any calendar year during the period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012, a person fails to achieve and maintain full compliance with the emissions limitations established by the Department under § 2-1002(e) of this subtitle, the person shall surrender:
(1)    One sulfur dioxide allowance for each ton of sulfur dioxide emitted in excess of the emission rate limitation; and
(2)    One oxide of nitrogen allowance for every 2 tons of sulfur dioxide emitted in excess of the emission rate limitation.
(c)    If, in any calendar year, during the period from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011, a person fails to achieve full compliance with the oxides of nitrogen emission limitations in § 2-1002(e) of this subtitle, the person shall surrender one oxide of nitrogen allowance for each ton of oxides of nitrogen emitted in excess of the required emission rate limitation.
(d)    A person that surrenders allowances in accordance with subsection (b) or (c) of this section shall surrender the allowances to the Department’s surrender account by March 1 of the year following the year in which the person failed to achieve and maintain compliance with the applicable emission limitation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 11 - Low Emissions Vehicle Program › Section 2-1101 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Administration” means the Motor Vehicle Administration.
(c)    “Program” means the low emissions vehicle program established under this subtitle.
(d)    “Transfer” includes acquire, purchase, sell, and lease.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 11 - Low Emissions Vehicle Program › Section 2-1102 - Established

(a)    In consultation with the Administration and as provided under this subtitle, the Department shall establish by regulation and maintain a low emissions vehicle program that:
(1)    Is authorized by § 177 of the federal Clean Air Act; and
(2)    Is applicable to vehicles of the 2011 model year and each model year thereafter.
(b)    As part of the program, the Department shall establish new motor vehicle emissions standards and compliance requirements for each model year included in the program as authorized by § 177 of the federal Clean Air Act.
(c)    As part of the compliance requirements established under this subtitle, the Department may adopt by regulation motor vehicle emissions inspection, recall, and warranty requirements.
(d)    The Department or any other State agency may not adopt a regulation under this subtitle or any other provision of law that requires the sale or use of California reformulated gasoline in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 11 - Low Emissions Vehicle Program › Section 2-1103 - Adoption of California Regulations Permitted; Cooperation With Other States and District of Columbia

To minimize the administrative impact of the program and to minimize the impact of motor vehicle emissions generated out of state on the air quality of this State, the Department:
(1)    May adopt California regulations, procedures, and certification data by reference; and
(2)    May work in cooperation with, and enter into contracts or agreements with, California, other states, and the District of Columbia to administer certification, in–use compliance, inspection, recall, and warranty requirements for the program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 11 - Low Emissions Vehicle Program › Section 2-1104 - Transfer of Noncomplying New Motor Vehicles or Vehicle Engines Prohibited

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the Administration may not title or register, under Title 13 of the Transportation Article, a new motor vehicle that is subject to the provisions of this subtitle if the motor vehicle does not comply with the provisions of this subtitle or any regulation adopted under this subtitle.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a person may not transfer or attempt to transfer a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine that is subject to the provisions of this subtitle if the vehicle or engine does not comply with the program.
(c)    A person may not procure or attempt to procure, through fraud or misrepresentation, the title or registration of a motor vehicle that is subject to the provisions of this subtitle if the vehicle does not comply with the program.
(d)    The Department, in consultation with the Administration, may adopt regulations to prohibit the transfer of new motor vehicles or motor vehicle engines that are not in compliance with the provisions of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 11 - Low Emissions Vehicle Program › Section 2-1105 - Exemptions

(a)    The Department shall, in consultation with the Administration, adopt regulations to exempt motor vehicles from the program.
(b)    Exemptions established under subsection (a) of this section shall be limited to:
(1)    Motor vehicles sold for registration out of the State;
(2)    Motor vehicles sold from a licensed dealer to another licensed dealer; and
(3)    Motor vehicles that would be exempted from the low emissions vehicle program established under California law.
(c)    For any motor vehicle exempted under subsection (a) of this section, the Administration shall note the exemption on the title of the motor vehicle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 11 - Low Emissions Vehicle Program › Section 2-1106 - Enforcement and Penalties

(a)    The enforcement and penalty provisions of Subtitle 6 of this title shall apply to a violation of this subtitle.
(b)    Each transfer or attempted transfer of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine in violation of § 2–1104(b) of this subtitle shall constitute a separate violation of the provisions of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1201 - Legislative Findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    Greenhouse gases are air pollutants that threaten to endanger the public health and welfare of the people of Maryland;
(2)    Global warming poses a serious threat to the State’s future health, well–being, and prosperity;
(3)    With 3,100 miles of tidally influenced shoreline, Maryland is vulnerable to the threat posed by global warming and susceptible to rising sea levels and flooding, which would have detrimental and costly effects;
(4)    The State has the ingenuity to reduce the threat of global warming and make greenhouse gas reductions a part of the State’s future by achieving a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2020 and by preparing a plan to meet a longer–term goal of achieving net–zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 in a manner that promotes new “green” jobs, and protects existing jobs and the State’s economic well–being;
(5)    Studies have shown that energy efficiency programs and technological initiatives consistent with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions can result in a net economic benefit to the State;
(6)    In addition to achieving the reduction established under this subtitle, it is in the best interest of the State to act early and aggressively to achieve the Maryland Commission on Climate Change’s recommended goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10% from 2006 levels by 2012 and by 15% from 2006 levels by 2015;
(7)    While reductions of harmful greenhouse gas emissions are one part of the solution, the State should focus on developing and utilizing clean energies that provide greater energy efficiency and conservation, such as renewable energy from wind, solar, geothermal, and bioenergy sources;
(8)    It is necessary to protect the public health, economic well–being, and natural treasures of the State by reducing harmful air pollutants such as greenhouse gas emissions by using practical solutions that are already at the State’s disposal;
(9)    Cap and trade regulation of greenhouse gas emissions is most effective when implemented on a federal level;
(10)    Because of the need to remain competitive with manufacturers located in other states or countries and to preserve existing manufacturing jobs in the State, greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing sector are most effectively regulated on a national and international level; and
(11)    Because of the need to remain competitive with other states, greenhouse gas emissions from certain other commercial and service sectors, including freight carriers and generators of electricity, are most effectively regulated on a national level.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1202 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Alternative compliance mechanism” means an action authorized by regulations adopted by the Department that achieves the equivalent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions over the same period as a direct emissions reduction.
(c)    “Carbon dioxide equivalent” means the measurement of a given weight of a greenhouse gas that has the same global warming potential, measured over a specified period of time, as one metric ton of carbon dioxide.
(d)    “Direct emissions reduction” means a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from a greenhouse gas emissions source.
(e)    “Greenhouse gas” includes carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
(f)    “Greenhouse gas emissions source” means a source or category of sources of greenhouse gas emissions that have emissions of greenhouse gases that are subject to reporting requirements or other provisions of this subtitle, as determined by the Department.
(g)    “Leakage” means a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within the State that is offset by a corresponding increase in greenhouse gas emissions from a greenhouse gas emissions source located outside the State that is not subject to a similar state, interstate, or regional greenhouse gas emissions cap or limitation.
(h)    (1)    “Manufacturing” means the process of substantially transforming, or a substantial step in the process of substantially transforming, tangible personal property into a new and different article of tangible personal property by the use of labor or machinery.
(2)    “Manufacturing”, when performed by companies primarily engaged in the activities described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, includes:
(i)    The operation of saw mills, grain mills, or feed mills;
(ii)    The operation of machinery and equipment used to extract and process minerals, metals, or earthen materials or by–products that result from the extracting or processing; and
(iii)    Research and development activities.
(3)    “Manufacturing” does not include:
(i)    Activities that are primarily a service;
(ii)    Activities that are intellectual, artistic, or clerical in nature;
(iii)    Public utility services, including gas, electric, water, and steam production services; or
(iv)    Any other activity that would not commonly be considered as manufacturing.
(i)    “Statewide greenhouse gas emissions” means the total annual emissions of greenhouse gases in the State, measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, including all emissions of greenhouse gases from the generation of electricity delivered to and consumed in the State, and line losses from the transmission and distribution of electricity, whether the electricity is generated in–State or imported.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1203 - Statewide Greenhouse Gas Inventory

(a)    On or before June 1, 2011, the Department shall publish:
(1)    An inventory of statewide greenhouse gas emissions for calendar year 2006; and
(2)    Based on existing greenhouse gas emissions control measures, a projected “business as usual” inventory for calendar year 2020.
(b)    The Department shall review and publish an updated statewide greenhouse gas emissions inventory for calendar year 2011 and for every third calendar year thereafter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1204.1 - Reduction of Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions -- 2031. [Effective January 1, 2024]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2023 PER CHAPTER 11 OF 2016 //
The State shall reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 60% from 2006 levels by 2031.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1204.2 - Net-Zero Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Goal. [Effective Until July 1, 2030]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2030 PER CHAPTER 38 OF 2022 //
The State shall achieve net–zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1204.3 - Inclusion of State in Regional Initiative

(a)    The Governor may include the State as a full participant in any regional governmental initiative, agreement, or compact that limits or reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
(b)    On or before November 1, 2019, and each year thereafter for the next 3 years, the Department and the Department of Transportation shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the status of a regional governmental initiative, agreement, or compact that limits or reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, including:
(1)    Whether a regional governmental initiative, agreement, or compact that limits greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector exists;
(2)    Whether the Governor has included the State as a full participant in such an initiative, agreement, or compact; and
(3)    Any other information the Department or the Department of Transportation considers relevant.
(c)    The State may withdraw from a regional governmental initiative, agreement, or compact entered into under this section if the General Assembly enacts a law to approve the withdrawal.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1206 - Factors in Adoption of Final Plans

In developing and implementing the plans required by § 2–1205 of this subtitle, the Department shall:
(1)    Analyze the feasibility of measures to comply with the greenhouse gas emissions reductions required by this subtitle;
(2)    Consider the impact on rural communities of any transportation related measures proposed in the plans;
(3)    Provide that a greenhouse gas emissions source that voluntarily reduces its greenhouse gas emissions before the implementation of this subtitle shall receive appropriate credit for its early voluntary actions;
(4)    Provide for the use of offset credits generated by alternative compliance mechanisms executed within the State, including carbon sequestration projects, to achieve compliance with greenhouse gas emissions reductions required by this subtitle;
(5)    Ensure that the plans do not decrease the likelihood of reliable and affordable electrical service and statewide fuel supplies;
(6)    Consider whether the measures would result in an increase in electricity costs to consumers in the State;
(7)    Consider the impact of the plans on the ability of the State to:
(i)    Attract, expand, and retain commercial aviation services; and
(ii)    Conserve, protect, and retain agriculture;
(8)    Ensure that the greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures implemented in accordance with the plans:
(i)    Are implemented in an efficient and cost–effective manner;
(ii)    Do not disproportionately impact rural or low–income, low– to moderate–income, or minority communities or any other particular class of electricity ratepayers;
(iii)    Minimize leakage;
(iv)    Are quantifiable, verifiable, and enforceable;
(v)    Directly cause no loss of existing jobs in the manufacturing sector;
(vi)    Produce a net economic benefit to the State’s economy and a net increase in jobs in the State, as compared with a no–action scenario; and
(vii)    Encourage new employment opportunities in the State related to energy conservation, alternative energy supply, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction technologies, particularly in areas of the State experiencing  a combination of urban heat and climate   impacts;
(9)    Incorporate top–down methane emissions data acquired through aircraft observations; and
(10)    Use the best available scientific information, as included in the most recent assessments and reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1207 - Independent Study by Institution of Higher Education

(a)    (1)    An institution of higher education in the State shall conduct an independent study of the economic impact of requiring greenhouse gas emissions reductions from the State’s manufacturing sector.
(2)    The Maryland Commission on Climate Change shall oversee the independent study required by this section.
(b)    On or before October 1, 2022, the institution of higher education responsible for the independent study shall complete and submit the study to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1208 - Credits for Implementation of Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan

(a)    A greenhouse gas emissions source in the State’s manufacturing sector that implements a voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan that is approved by the Department on or before January 1, 2012, may be eligible to receive voluntary early action credits under any future State law requiring greenhouse gas emissions reductions from the manufacturing sector.
(b)    A voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan may include measures to:
(1)    Reduce energy use and increase process efficiency; and
(2)    Facilitate industry–wide research and development directed toward future measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1210 - Action by General Assembly on Review of Study and Reports

On review of the study required under § 2–1207 of this subtitle, and the reports required under § 2–1211 of this subtitle, the General Assembly:
(1)    May act to maintain, revise, or eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions reductions required under §§ 2–1204.1 and 2–1204.2 of this subtitle; and
(2)    Shall consider whether to continue the special manufacturing provisions in § 2–1205(f)(1) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1211 - Monitoring Implementation of Plans; Report

The Department shall monitor implementation of the plans required under § 2–1205 of this subtitle and shall submit a report, on or before October 1, 2022, and every 5 years thereafter, to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly that describes the State’s progress toward achieving:
(1)    The reductions in greenhouse gas emissions required under this subtitle, or any revisions conducted in accordance with § 2–1210 of this subtitle; and
(2)    The greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed by 2050 in order to avoid dangerous anthropogenic changes to the Earth’s climate system, based on the predominant view of the scientific community at the time of the latest report.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 12 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions › Section 2-1212 - Tree-Planting Goal -- Department Efforts -- Program Coordinator -- State's Commitment [Effective Until July 1, 2031]

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2031 PER CHAPTER 645 OF 2021 //
(a)    (1)    It is the policy of the State to support and encourage public and private tree–planting efforts, with a goal of planting and helping to maintain in the State 5,000,000 sustainable trees of species native to the State by the end of calendar year 2031.
(2)    This goal:
(i)    Is in addition to any trees projected to be planted under programs described in the 2019 Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan; and
(ii)    Includes native tree plantings accomplished through State programs and through the efforts of nonprofit and private organizations.
(3)    It is the intent of the General Assembly that at least 500,000 of the 5,000,000 trees called for by this subsection should be planted in an “underserved area”, as defined in § 8–1911 of the Natural Resources Article.
(b)    (1)    The Department:
(i)    Is responsible for tracking the State’s progress toward meeting the goals established under subsection (a) of this section; and
(ii)    Shall serve as the lead agency to receive data from:
1.    The Maryland Department of Agriculture regarding tree plantings accomplished through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and other agricultural initiatives;
2.    The Department of Natural Resources regarding tree plantings accomplished through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund, the Mel Noland Woodland Incentives Fund, and other forestry initiatives; and
3.    The Chesapeake Bay Trust regarding tree plantings accomplished through the Urban Trees Program.
(2)    (i)    There is a 5 Million Tree Program Coordinator within the Department.
(ii)    The primary responsibility of the Program Coordinator is to promote, facilitate, and align the State’s efforts to achieve the goals established under subsection (a)(1) of this section.
(iii)    On or before December 1 each year, the Program Coordinator shall:
1.    Consolidate data on tree plantings from multiple sources; and
2.    Report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Environment and Transportation Committee on the State’s progress toward meeting the goals established under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    The Governor shall formally pledge the State’s commitment to achieving the goals established under subsection (a) of this section through the U.S. Chapter of the World Economic Forum’s One Trillion Trees Initiative.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 13 - Maryland Commission on Climate Change › Section 2-1301 - Commission Established; Staff

(a)    There is a Commission on Climate Change in the Department to advise the Governor and General Assembly on ways to mitigate the causes of, prepare for, and adapt to the consequences of climate change.
(b)    The Department and the Department of Natural Resources shall jointly staff the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 13 - Maryland Commission on Climate Change › Section 2-1303.3 - Energy Resilience and Efficiency Working Group -- Members -- Chair -- Staffing -- Compensation -- Duties

(a)    In this section, “Working Group” means the Energy Resilience and Efficiency Working Group of the Commission.
(b)    The Commission shall establish an Energy Resilience and Efficiency Working Group.
(c)    The Working Group shall include:
(1)    One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;
(2)    One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
(3)    The Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;
(4)    The Director of the Maryland Energy Administration;
(5)    Three representatives of the nuclear energy industry, selected by the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration;
(6)    Three representatives of the energy transmission infrastructure industry, selected by the Public Service Commission; and
(7)    Three representatives of the energy storage and backup industry, selected by the Secretary.
(d)    The Secretary shall designate the chair of the Working Group.
(e)    The Department shall provide staff for the Working Group.
(f)    A member of the Working Group:
(1)    May not receive compensation as a member of the Working Group; but
(2)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(g)    The Working Group shall:
(1)    Advise the Commission on issues and opportunities related to energy infrastructure improvements, transmission efficiency improvements, and battery backup viability; and
(2)    Conduct a study of:
(i)    Methods for the State to encourage electricity storage technology research;
(ii)    Methods of increasing the security of the electricity grid by supporting distributed renewable energy projects and energy storage with the potential to supply electric energy to critical facilities during a widespread power outage;
(iii)    Potential electric grid distribution transformation projects;
(iv)    The potential to develop clean energy resources on previously developed project sites; and
(v)    The lifespan and viability of energy facilities in the State that do not emit greenhouse gas, including:
1.    Solar energy generating facilities;
2.    Nuclear energy generating facilities;
3.    Wind energy generating facilities;
4.    Geothermal energy generating facilities;
5.    Hydroelectric energy generating facilities; and
6.    Biofuel energy generating facilities.
(h)    On or before December 31, 2023, the Working Group shall report to the Commission and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the findings of the study required under subsection (g)(2) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 13 - Maryland Commission on Climate Change › Section 2-1304 - Reports

(a)    On or before November 15 of each year, the Commission shall report to the Governor and General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the status of the State’s efforts to mitigate the causes of, prepare for, and adapt to the consequences of climate change, including future plans and recommendations for legislation, if any, to be considered by the General Assembly.
(b)    The report due on or before November 15, 2023, and each subsequent report shall include an analysis, prepared by the Department, of:
(1)    The total amount of State money spent on measures to reduce greenhouse gases and, to the extent practicable, co–pollutants, during the immediately preceding fiscal year; and
(2)    The percentage of that funding that benefited disproportionately affected communities identified according to the methodology adopted by the Department under § 1–702 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 13 - Maryland Commission on Climate Change › Section 2-1305 - Reporting on Greenhouse Reduction Goal and Impacts of Climate Change by State Agencies

(a)    (1)    Each State agency shall review its planning, regulatory, and fiscal programs to identify and recommend actions to more fully integrate the consideration of Maryland’s greenhouse gas reduction goal and the impacts of climate change.
(2)    The review shall include the consideration of:
(i)    Sea level rise;
(ii)    Storm surges and flooding;
(iii)    Increased precipitation and temperature; and
(iv)    Extreme weather events.
(b)    Each State agency shall identify and recommend specific policy, planning, regulatory, and fiscal changes to existing programs that do not currently support the State’s greenhouse gas reduction efforts or address climate change.
(c)    (1)    The following State agencies shall report annually on the status of programs that support the State’s greenhouse gas reduction efforts or address climate change, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the Commission and the Governor:
(i)    The Department;
(ii)    The Department of Agriculture;
(iii)    The Department of General Services;
(iv)    The Department of Housing and Community Development;
(v)    The Department of Natural Resources;
(vi)    The Department of Planning;
(vii)    The Department of Transportation;
(viii)    The Maryland Energy Administration;
(ix)    The Maryland Insurance Administration;
(x)    The Public Service Commission; and
(xi)    The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
(2)    The report required in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:
(i)    Program descriptions and objectives;
(ii)    Implementation milestones, whether or not they have been met;
(iii)    Enhancement opportunities;
(iv)    Funding;
(v)    Challenges;
(vi)    Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions, by program, for the prior calendar year; and
(vii)    Any other information that the agency considers relevant.
(d)    Each State agency, when conducting long–term planning, developing policy, and drafting regulations, shall take into  consideration:
(1)    The likely climate impact of the agency’s decisions relative to Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals; and
(2)    The likely impact of the agency’s decisions on disproportionately affected communities identified according to the methodology adopted by the Department under § 1–702 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 13 - Maryland Commission on Climate Change › Section 2-1306 - Science-Based Sea Level Rise Projections

(a)    The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science shall establish science–based sea level rise projections for Maryland’s coastal areas and update them at least every 5 years.
(b)    The science–based sea level rise projections shall include maps that indicate the areas of the State that may be most affected by storm surges, flooding, and extreme weather events.
(c)    The science–based sea level rise projections required under this section shall be made publicly available on the Internet.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 14 - u.s. Climate Alliance › Section 2-1401 - u.s. Climate Alliance

(a)    (1)    On or before July 1, 2018, the Governor shall include the State as a member of the U.S. Climate Alliance.
(2)    The Governor may withdraw the State from the U.S. Climate Alliance only if the General Assembly enacts a law to approve the withdrawal.
(b)    On or before December 1, 2018, and on or before December 1 each year thereafter, the Governor shall report to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Environment and Transportation Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the State’s participation in the U.S. Climate Alliance, including:
(1)    Any collaborations or partnerships among the Alliance members or external stakeholders; and
(2)    Any policies or programs that the Alliance has endorsed, undertaken, or considered.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 15 - Zero-Emission Vehicle School Buses › Section 2-1501 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Fund” means the Zero–Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Fund.
(c)    “Program” means the Zero–Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Grant Program.
(d)    “Zero–emission vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 23–206.4 of the Transportation Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 15 - Zero-Emission Vehicle School Buses › Section 2-1503 - Zero-Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Grant Program

(a)    There is a Zero–Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Grant Program in the State.
(b)    The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to county boards of education and entities that contract with county boards to provide transportation services to:
(1)    Purchase school buses that are zero–emission vehicles;
(2)    Install electric vehicle infrastructure for charging school buses that are zero–emission vehicles;
(3)    Engage in planning for a transition to using school buses that are zero–emission vehicles; and
(4)    Fund pilot programs to experiment with a transition to school buses that are zero–emission vehicles.
(c)    The Department, in consultation with the State Department of Education, shall implement and administer the Program.
(d)    (1)    If the Department receives any funds as a result of a legal settlement that are earmarked for the purpose of transitioning to school buses that are zero–emission vehicles, the funds shall be made available to award grants in accordance with this section.
(2)    In addition to any funding provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection, funding for the Program consists of:
(i)    Money appropriated in the State budget for the Program; and
(ii)    Any additional money made available to the Program from any private or public sources.
(e)    The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 15 - Zero-Emission Vehicle School Buses › Section 2-1504 - Zero-Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Fund

(a)    There is a Zero–Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Fund.
(b)    The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding for the Program.
(c)    The Department, in consultation with the State Department of Education, shall administer the Fund.
(d)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(e)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(2)    Interest earnings of the Fund;
(3)    Donations;
(4)    Money derived from legal settlements earmarked for the purpose of transitioning to school buses that are zero–emission vehicles; and
(5)    Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.
(f)    The Fund may be used only for the Program.
(g)    (1)    The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.
(h)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
(i)    Money expended from the Fund for the Program is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 15 - Zero-Emission Vehicle School Buses › Section 2-1505 - Purchase of Zero-Emission Vehicles Required -- Exemptions -- Agreements to Obtain Monetary Incentives -- Prioritization for Using Available Federal Funding

(a)    In this section, “incremental costs” means:
(1)    In the case of a contract for the purchase of school buses, the cost difference between purchasing and operating school buses that are zero–emission vehicles and school buses that are diesel–powered vehicles; and
(2)    In the case of a contract for the use of school buses, the cost difference between contracting for the use of school buses that are zero–emission vehicles and school buses that are diesel–powered vehicles.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, beginning in fiscal year  2025, a county board of education may not enter into a new contract  for:
(1)    The purchase  of any school bus that is not a zero–emission vehicle; or
(2)    The use of any school bus that is not a zero–emission vehicle, unless the school bus has an in–service date of July 1, 2024, or before.
(c)    The requirements of subsection (b) of this section do not apply if:
(1)    The Department determines that no available zero–emission vehicle meets the performance requirements for the county board’s use; or
(2)    The county board is unable to obtain federal, State, or private funding sufficient to cover the incremental costs associated with contracting for the purchase or use of school buses that are zero–emission vehicles.
(d)    A county board may enter into an agreement with an electric company to obtain monetary incentives in exchange for allowing the electric company to use the storage batteries of zero–emission buses owned or operated by the county board to access the stored electricity through vehicle–to–grid technology.
(e)    The Department, in consultation with other appropriate State agencies, shall work with the county boards and private school bus contractors to develop electric vehicle infrastructure sufficient to support school buses that are zero–emission vehicles.
(f)    The Department shall prioritize the use of available federal funding to carry out this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 2 - Ambient Air Quality Control › Subtitle 16 - Building Energy Performance Standards › Section 2-1601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Agricultural building” means a structure that is used primarily to cultivate, manufacture, process, or produce agricultural crops, raw materials, products, or commodities.
(2)    “Agricultural building” includes a greenhouse.
(c)    “Building” has the meaning stated in the International Building Code.
(d)    “Commercial building” means a building that is subject to the commercial provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code.
(e)    (1)    “Covered building” means a building that:
(i)    1.    Is a commercial or multifamily residential building in the State; or
2.    Is owned by the State; and
(ii)    Has a gross floor area of  35,000 square feet or more, excluding the parking garage area.
(2)    “Covered building” does not include:
(i)    A building designated as a historic property under federal, State, or local law;
(ii)    A public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school building;
(iii)    A manufacturing building; or
(iv)    An agricultural building.
(f)    “Direct greenhouse gas emissions” means greenhouse gas emissions produced on–site by  covered buildings.
(g)    “District energy” means thermal energy generated at one or more central facilities that produce hot water, steam, or chilled water that then flows through a network of insulated underground pipes to provide hot water, space heating, air conditioning, or chilled water to nearby buildings.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 3 - Noise Control › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 3-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Environmental noise standard” means a goal for the limitation of noise, from all sources, that exists in a defined area under specified conditions.
(c)    (1)    “Noise” means the intensity, frequency, duration, and character of sound.
(2)    “Noise” includes sound and vibration of subaudible frequencies.
(d)    “Political subdivision” means a county or municipal corporation of this State.
(e)    “Sound level limit” means the maximum allowable noise emission from a noise source in a defined area under specified conditions.
(f)    “Source” means any person or property from which sound originates.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 3 - Noise Control › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 3-102 - Legislative Findings

The General Assembly finds:
(1)    That the people of this State have a right to an environment that is free from any noise that:
(i)    May jeopardize their health, general welfare, or property; or
(ii)    Degrades the quality of their lives; and
(2)    That there is a substantial body of knowledge about the adverse effects of excessive noise on the public health, the general welfare, and property, and that this knowledge should be used to develop environmental noise standards that will protect the public health, the general welfare, and property with an adequate margin of safety.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 3 - Noise Control › Subtitle 4 - Rulemaking and Enforcement › Section 3-403 - Environmental Noise Standards, Sound Level Limits, and Noise Control Rules and Regulations -- Enforcement

(a)    A political subdivision may enforce the sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations adopted under this title.
(b)    A political subdivision that enforces a noise control standard adopted under this title or an ordinance concerning noise may:
(1)    Investigate a complaint concerning noise;
(2)    Institute and conduct a survey and testing program concerning noise;
(3)    Test or make another determination of the source of a noise; and
(4)    Assess the degree of required abatement of the noise.
(c)    Each sound level limit shall be applied at the boundary of:
(1)    A property; or
(2)    A land use category, as determined by the responsible political subdivision.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Environment › Title 3 - Noise Control › Subtitle 4 - Rulemaking and Enforcement › Section 3-405 - Injunctive Actions

(a)    A political subdivision may bring an action to enjoin any conduct that is a willful violation of any provision of this title or any rule, regulation, or order adopted or issued under this title.
(b)    An action may not be brought under this section unless the person against whom it is brought has been given a reasonable time to comply with the provision that is the basis of the action.