Ceres applauded Governor Wes Moore and Maryland lawmakers for advancing a legislative package aimed at reducing electricity costs and accelerating clean energy deployment. The legislation, signed into law this week by Governor Moore, includes key measures to improve grid reliability, invest in energy storage, and streamline clean energy development across the state.

The new laws include provisions to:

• Expand battery storage investments
• Prioritize infrastructure repairs
• Simplify permitting for high-priority energy projects
• Standardize guidelines for solar power installations

This progress builds on years of collaboration between Ceres,Maryland policymakers, and the business community. Maryland businesses have previously partnered with Ceres to advocate for clean energy legislation, including the expansion of energy efficiency rebate programs in 2024 and the landmark 2022 climate legislation that set ambitious statewide emissions targets.

“The legislation signed by Gov. Moore proves that states can take action to reduce electricity bills without compromising ambitious climate goals. In fact, they can leverage those goals to drive down costs for businesses and residents while investing in innovative solutions that will benefit Maryland’s economy,” said Jeff Mauk, director of Eastern state policy, Ceres. “We commend the Maryland legislature for passing, and Gov. Moore for signing, this legislation, and encourage other states to take note of this comprehensive and pragmatic approach to addressing both cost-of-living and climate challenges.”