Bill would direct DGS to pilot renewable natural gas procurement and fund a university study on biogas

Delegate Chris Adams introduced House Bill 1417, which would establish a clean-energy procurement pilot within the Department of General Services (DGS). The pilot would require DGS, when purchasing natural gas for state facilities, to review availability and price of renewable natural gas (RNG/biogas) and to procure RNG if commercially reasonable. The bill also requires an environmental life-cycle study by the University of Maryland assessing biogas advantages relative to fossil natural gas.

Industry witnesses and proponents, including representatives of companies working in anaerobic digestion and a university researcher, described biogas as a ready, pipeline-compatible fuel that can reduce methane emissions when diverted from landfills, wastewater or manure lagoons. A University of Maryland professor who testified said capture and use of methane from organic waste converts a potent greenhouse gas (methane) into biogenic CO2 when combusted and can provide further emissions reductions by offsetting fossil fuels.

Testimony reviewed existing operations in Maryland (including a digester in Jessup and farm-scale digesters) and discussed barriers such as infrastructure, capture rates at landfills and the price differential between RNG and fossil natural gas. Witnesses noted the bill leaves procurement decisions to DGS if price and availability are adequate and that the pilot aims to spur market growth rather than mandate purchases at unfavorable cost. Utilities and industry witnesses expressed general support for the pilot approach.

Committee members asked technical questions about life-cycle emissions, capture rates, infrastructure constraints and procurement flexibilities. No vote was recorded; proponents requested a favorable report.