MD HB1417

Department of General Services must establish a Clean Energy Procurement Program by January 1, 2026, in consultation with the Maryland Green Purchasing Committee, University System of Maryland, and Maryland Clean Energy Center

Program will procure biogas for use in Maryland's transportation and building sectors to evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of replacing fossil natural gas, in support of the state's net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals

Department must issue a competitive sealed solicitation for biogas contracts, with preference for in-state generated biogas; out-of-state sources permitted only if sufficient in-state supply is unavailable

University System of Maryland must complete a carbon lifecycle analysis of biogas, with costs reimbursed by the Power Plant Research Program

Program requirements apply only if biogas is competitively priced, satisfactory quality, and readily available; the program terminates December 31, 2028, and the entire Act expires June 30, 2029