MARYLAND — On May 12, the Maryland House Republican Caucus sent a letter to Governor Wes Moore, urging him to veto the Next Generation Energy Act. The GOP lawmakers argue the bill fails to deliver promised rate relief and imposes unrelated mandates. The letter criticizes the bill for not supporting nuclear energy, instead imposing costly requirements they claim are unnecessary. Lawmakers argue the bill discourages nuclear energy projects by offering no incentives while introducing mandates for labor, construction, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that are unrelated to energy policy. Republicans also question the bill’s long-term effectiveness in protecting consumers from rising energy costs. While it offers minimal short-term rebates, they argue these will be outweighed by future rate increases. The total rebate amount is less than $100, and lawmakers warn that the next rate hike will coincide with peak summer energy usage. Under Maryland law, the governor must act on bills within 30 days of presentation. The deadline for this bill is May 27, at which point it will become law if no action is taken.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore
Photo: Governor.Maryland.gov