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Senate passes energy package despite objections over waste-to-energy removal; critics warn of increased truck traffic and emissions
Summary
Senators debated the NextGen Generation Energy Act (Senate Bill 937), with objections focused on removing waste-to-energy provisions. Critics warned that removing incineration language would shift trash hauling to distant landfills and increase diesel truck emissions. The bill passed on third reading.
The Maryland Senate passed Senate Bill 937, the NextGen Generation Energy Act, after floor debate that ranged from technical changes to sharp objections about the bill's removal of waste-to-energy provisions.
A senator representing an Eastern Shore district warned the chamber that removing waste-to-energy from the bill "boggles my mind," arguing Wheelabrator and other incinerators provide a way to "get rid of trash and produce electricity." The senator said removing waste-to-energy language would force local landfills to accept larger volumes or force counties to haul waste longer distances, possibly to Virginia, creating more diesel truck traffic and emissions.
The minority whip and other senators criticized the bill for not doing more to provide immediate ratepayer relief or to restore generation capacity. One senator called the package an "opportunity missed" on immediate energy affordability and reliability measures.
Senate debate included technical discussion of renewable portfolio standards, infrastructure planning and cost-recovery provisions; however, the floor-level disagreement focused on waste-to-energy and broader energy policy priorities. The clerk recorded 37 votes in the affirmative; the body declared Senate Bill 937 passed after receiving a constitutional majority.
Senators opposing the removal of waste-to-energy language cited local impacts (truck traffic, diesel emissions, and disposal logistics) and invoked concerns about where municipalities would send processed waste absent incineration. Supporters of the bill cited other elements in the package intended to address emissions, renewable energy standards, and ratepayer protections.
The bill now proceeds under the Senate-passed language to the next stage of the legislative process.
