The Maryland General Assembly is contemplating the 'Better Buildings Act,' a measure requiring all new residential and commercial constructions to include parking spaces for electric vehicle charging. This initiative aligns with Maryland's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing sustainable practices.
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Better Buildings Act
The Better Buildings Act, which the Assembly will deliberate upon during this legislative session, would amend the code to mandate that newly constructed buildings and those enduring substantial renovations utilize fossil fuels to meet their energy requirements. As mentioned, the legislation specifies that the code modifications must take effect by October 2026 if they are approved.
Aside from mandating that certain large buildings have solar-ready roofs, the measure specifies that most newly constructed residential and commercial buildings must have parking spots capable of supporting electric vehicle charging. Rep. Adrian Boafo, a Democrat from Prince George's County, is one of the measure's co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. He claims that the modifications are essential to achieve the climate targets that the state has set.
Moreover, Boafo also asserted that the objective is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, and his team has concluded that they are still far from reaching that goal. On the other hand, instead of typical buildings, which will end up costing their tenants thousands of dollars more to heat and cool, apartments that are designed to the most significant energy efficiency requirements can be constructed at no additional cost or with minimum more expense due to the technology that is available today.
Even though energy prices are becoming more unpredictable, the Better Buildings Act will reportedly make it possible to maintain fixed energy bills. Thus, 98% of Maryland homes can reduce the money they spend on their monthly energy bills by switching from fossil fuel heating equipment to high-efficiency electric appliances.
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Maryland's Initiative for Carbon Neutrality
For several decades, the Maryland Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and Environment Maryland have been at the forefront of addressing energy-related concerns in this state. During the 2022 Maryland legislative session, the Climate Solutions Now Act, an act aimed at lowering pollution that endangers human health and exacerbates climate change, was one of their top priorities. Maryland, which has a coastline that stretches over 3,100 miles, is one of the states that is most susceptible to the effects of rising sea levels.
Through this law, people can breathe cleaner air, have healthier families, and experience a safer climate for all of us. Furthermore, by establishing a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by the year 2031 and a goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, the legislation will improve the state's current climate goals. This improvement is partly based on suggestions made by the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, which is part of the Hogan administration.
On the other hand, assisting in transitioning our communities to pure, green, renewable energy, the Climate Solutions Now Act provides Maryland policymakers with a clear path toward reducing air and climate-polluting emissions. Senate Environment Chair Paul Pinksy, House Environment Chair Kumar Barve, and House Environment Vice Chair Dana Stein championed the new legislation to advance specific measures to ensure that more of Maryland's buildings and transportation are equipped to operate on renewable energy.
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