Attempt to pull Maryland from RGGI fails after committee debate

The Education, Energy and the Environment Committee considered and defeated an amendment to Senate Bill 841 that would have directed the governor to withdraw Maryland from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

Senator Gallian moved the amendment, arguing that RGGI compliance costs are passed along to customers and that withdrawal would reduce electricity bills by several dollars per month. Supporters cited studies and experience in other states suggesting compliance costs can appear as riders or supply charge components on customer bills.

Opponents, including the committee chair and multiple senators, countered that RGGI proceeds fund energy‑efficiency programs and a low‑income discount that benefits vulnerable households; they also noted regional emissions reductions among RGGI participants. Committee debate referenced external studies with differing conclusions and emphasized that removing RGGI would eliminate the funding stream for existing programs (including the Strategic Energy Investment Fund) unless replaced by other appropriations.

Outcome and implications. A roll‑call vote recorded more no votes than yes votes and the amendment failed. Committee members discussed that changing RGGI participation would have knock‑on effects for Maryland Energy Administration programs, low‑income support, and broader energy‑efficiency investments. The failed motion leaves RGGI participation intact in the bill as it moves forward, but the debate highlighted underlying political and fiscal tensions around program funding and rate impacts.

What to watch next. If sponsors want to pursue RGGI policy changes, they will need separate legislation or an explicit budgetary replacement for programs that currently rely on RGGI proceeds. The committee recorded the argument positions in full, providing a clear public record of the trade‑offs discussed.