The Education, Energy, and Environment (EEE) Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss significant amendments related to the regulation of coal combustion byproducts (CCBs) and the associated fees for facilities managing these materials. The meeting focused on the implications of recent legislative changes and the responsibilities of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

The session began with a presentation on proposed amendments that aim to expand the Department's regulatory authority over landfilled coal ash. The amendments would eliminate a requirement for MDE to adopt certain federal effluent guidelines and instead mandate that any excess fee revenue collected beyond operational needs be directed towards increasing the beneficial reuse of CCBs and mitigating their environmental impacts.

Senator Carrozza raised questions regarding the specific facilities affected by these changes, particularly inquiring about the coal-fired power plants and landfills in Maryland. It was clarified that the fees currently apply to coal-fired power plants, many of which have ceased operations but still contain coal ash that requires oversight due to potential environmental hazards.

The discussion progressed to the structure of the fees, with Senator Washington and Senator Hester questioning the bill's language regarding fee determination. It was noted that the bill does not alter the fee amounts but allows MDE to base fees on the volume of coal ash disposed of in landfills, rather than solely on the tonnage generated by active coal burning.

Concerns were raised about the future of energy generation in Maryland, particularly regarding closed facilities and their potential for repurposing. The committee members expressed uncertainty about how the new fee structure might impact decisions on future energy projects.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that while the amendments do not significantly change the existing fee structure, they do provide a framework for managing the environmental risks associated with coal ash. The committee plans to continue discussions on the implications of these regulations and their impact on both environmental safety and energy policy in Maryland.