Delegates clarify notice-only requirement for large‑building BEPS reporting; concerns raised about enforcement
House members pressed sponsors of House Bill 8‑70 on what Maryland's Department of the Environment will do with permit notices for large buildings. Sponsors said the provision is a reporting requirement to alert owners about forthcoming Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), not an enforcement trigger; some members warned of potential penalties if BEPS rules later apply.
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House Bill 8‑70 would require local jurisdictions to notify the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) when they accept a permit application for a new building of 35,000 gross square feet or more. Floor discussion made clear the change is intended as a notice and compilation tool, not an immediate enforcement mechanism.
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