MD SB590

Department of the Environment must complete a study and report by December 31, 2027 evaluating the design and implications of implementing an economy-wide cap-and-invest program to help Maryland achieve its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2045

Study will be conducted in collaboration with the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, Department of Transportation, Maryland Energy Administration, and the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities

Study must evaluate program design elements including covered sectors, facility-specific emissions limits for overburdened communities, allowance distribution, auction mechanisms, offset credits, and treatment of emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries

Potential revenue uses to be analyzed include rebates and weatherization for low/moderate-income households, clean energy programs, transportation investments, carbon removal technologies, climate resiliency, and workforce development

Funding comes from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund, with reimbursement from program revenue if a cap-and-invest program is implemented by June 30, 2030; the act takes effect June 1, 2026