MD SB479

Covered buildings that received a use and occupancy permit before June 1, 2022, are exempt from Maryland's building energy performance standards and energy use intensity targets until major component replacement becomes necessary

The exemption applies until lighting systems, HVAC systems, or other major building components fail or reach end of life and require replacement

Amends Environment Article Section 2-1602, which requires covered buildings (commercial/multifamily buildings 35,000+ square feet) to achieve 20% greenhouse gas reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040

Effective date: October 1, 2026