Maryland Democrats are rallying behind a plan to lower electricity bills by scaling back some climate programs.
Backed by Gov. Wes Moore (D) and the Democratic leaders of the state House and Senate, the “Utility RELIEF Act” aims to save residential ratepayers an average of $150 annually by cutting energy efficiency spending, tightening utility oversight and redirecting some renewable energy funding to ratepayers.
The legislation passed the House on Tuesday night on a bipartisan vote of 108-25, sending it to the Senate. The Maryland General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn by April 13.
Maryland is one of several Democratic-led states where spiking electricity prices have led governors and lawmakers to pull back from climate targets and consider offsetting utility bills instead.
