Maryland wastes a lot of money subsidizing trash incineration as “renewable.” We spent $25 million subsidizing trash incinerators just in 2022. New analysis shows that Maryland wasted $100 million subsidizing trash incinerators as "renewable" between 2012-2022, and stands to waste another $200 million by 2030 if nothing changes. If trash incineration were no longer classified as “renewable,” that money would go to subsidize real renewable energy instead.
This year, the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act (HB166/SB146) would have done just that: taken trash incineration out of Maryland's "renewable energy" category and redirect tens of millions of dollars in new investment to real renewable energy at no cost to the state's budget. This is a solution endorsed by Maryland's new Climate Pollution Reduction Plan, the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, local governments, and about 100 organizations across the state of Maryland all support ending state “renewable energy” subsidies for trash incineration.
If the bill had been scheduled for a vote, it had the votes to pass. But Senate President Ferguson and Speaker Jones chose for HB166/SB146 not to come to a vote, and Governor Moore failed to support the bill. '
Take action! Tell the top decisionmakers on this issue that you're frustrated and disappointed that they chose for the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act not to pass this year, and you'll be watching to make sure they make it right in 2025.