MCCC supports a balanced approach to environmental and energy policies that promote environmental stewardship without creating unnecessary regulatory burdens or placing Maryland businesses at a disadvantage relative to neighboring states. In addition, MCCC supports State measures that would encourage businesses who promote environmentally sustainable practices, products and services.

SB 51 HB 44	Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007.  Requires MDE in conjunction with the MVA to adopt  low emissions vehicle standards and compliance requirements applicable to vehicles of the 2011 model year that are derived from the California Clean Car Program (CA LEV 2).  Regulations are to be adopted by Dec. 31, 2007 to strengthen emissions standards for smog, air toxics (benzene), nitrogen oxide (affects water quality), and adds carbon dioxide (global warming), as well as requiring 10% of the fleet to be zero emissions vehicles.	Frosh, et al    Bobo, et al	Support contingent upon amendment study before implementation
SB 103 HB 131	Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007.  Requires MDE in conjunction with the MVA to adopt low emissions vehicle standards and compliance requirements applicable to vehicles of the 2011 model year that are derived from the California Clean Car Program (CA LEV 2).  Regulations are to be adopted by Dec. 31, 2007 to strengthen emissions standards for smog, air toxics (benzene), nitrogen oxide (affects water quality), and adds carbon dioxide (global warming), as well as requiring 10% of the fleet to be zero emissions vehicles.	Administration      Administration	Support contingent upon amendment study before implementation
SB 34 HB 676	Electric Industry-Local Aggregation.  Authorizes a county or municipal corporation, or group thereof, to act as an aggregator that purchases electricity on behalf of customers. The aggregation is limited to up to 25% of the historic demand in the service area. Customers are deemed to give their consent to have the government act as its aggregator, if the customer fails to return notice within 21 days of receipt (opt-out).	Frosh, et al    Rudolph, et al	OPPOSE
HB 5	Electric Industry-Local Aggregation. Eliminates the prohibition that lack of competition in the electric utility market is necessary for a county or municipality act as a utility aggregator.	Hubbard	OPPOSE
SB 400	Electric Industry Restructuring-Proceedings-Review and Evaluation.  Directs the Public Service Commission to initiate new proceedings to review and evaluate the 1999 electric industry deregulation. Emergency bill.	Pipken, et al	NO POSITION
SB 674 HB 909	Maryland Energy Efficiency Standards Act of 2007.  By Jan. 1, 2008, MD Energy Administration shall establish minimum energy efficiency standards for various products, including CDs, DVDs water dispensers residential furnaces walk-in refrigerators and freezers, commercial hot food holding cabinets, etc.	Pinsky, et al  Bronrott, et al	NO POSITION
SB 409	Global Warming Solutions-Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions.  Requires MDE, by Jan. 1, 2009,  to establish a greenhouse gas emission limit that is equivalent to the emissions level in 1990; by Jan. 1, 2013, impose  regulatory limits and emissions reduction measures to achieve the emissions limits, including a cap and trade system by Jan. 1, 2012; impose a fee not to exceed 10¢ per ton annually of greenhouse gas emissions; impose fines for violations; create an Office of Climate Change within MDE; establish a GGE Reduction Fund; .	Pinsky, et al	NO POSITION
HB 839	Recycling-Bottle Desposits, Returns, and Refunds.  Requires beverage (soft drinks, juices, beer and wine in glass or aluminum containers) dealers to charge at least a 5¢ deposit per container when beverages are purchased, and establishes the refund value for a returnable container to equal the amount of the deposit; containers may be returned to beverage dealers or a a redemption center; the state pays redemption centers the refund value plus a handling fee of 2¢ per container; payment is made from the General Fund, but General Fund appropriations may be reduced by the amount of unclaimed deposits going to the State Recycling Trust Fund; each county shall set up and run at least one redemption center which may be a private retail store or dealer; a redemption center may use a reverse vending machine to accept returnable containers; and provides fines for violating the regulatory scheme.	Hammen, et al	NO POSITION