Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Climate And Energy Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House amends Climate Solutions‑related bill to allow DHCD to issue loans as well as grants; members flag repayment concerns
Summary
House committee amendments let the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) issue loans in addition to grants for energy conservation and renewable projects. Delegates raised that DHCD expects most loans may not be repaid and requested more analysis; the bill was special‑ordered to a later session for further work.
Delegates considered House Bill 155, a departmental bill to authorize the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to issue loans in addition to grants for energy conservation and renewable energy projects used to meet greenhouse‑gas reduction targets required by the Climate Solutions Act of 2022.
Committee amendments were adopted on the floor that (1) authorize DHCD to issue loans as well as grants under the program and (2) preserve DHCD’s discretion to use all available programs to achieve the greenhouse‑gas target (baseline 02/2016 and a 0.9% reduction point). The amendment also returned language intended to preserve DHCD’s existing calculations for savings and sources.
During floor questions, the minority leader and other delegates asked whether DHCD expects loans to be repaid. The floor leader summarized the fiscal note: “DHCD advises that it expects most of these loans will not be repaid.” A delegate asked, “What's the difference between giving someone a grant and giving someone a loan that you do not expect them to repay?” The committee sponsor replied that the bill expands DHCD’s toolbox—grants, loans, and other programs—to increase participation and reach greenhouse gas targets.
Because members asked for additional detail and potential amendments, the sponsor moved and the House agreed to special‑order the bill until the appropriate time tomorrow so the minority and other members could review proposed amendments.
Why it matters: The change expands DHCD’s authority to use loan products for energy upgrades and renewable installations, potentially increasing the pool of funding available for greenhouse‑gas reduction measures. Delegates flagged the fiscal risk posed by loans unlikely to be repaid and asked for details about program design and expected repayment rates.
Next steps: HB 155 was special‑ordered to the appropriate time tomorrow for continued consideration and possible amendment.
