Energy Legislation Must Put Maryland Families First - State Senator Mike McKay for Maryland District 1

On April 2, 2026, the Maryland Senate engaged in extensive debate on Senate Bill 841 — the Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act. While presented as an emergency measure to address rising energy costs, this sweeping legislation ultimately raises serious concerns about affordability, reliability, and the long-term direction of our state’s energy policy.

Senate Bill 841 combines multiple energy proposals into a single, far-reaching package. It establishes new compliance fees, introduces additional auction requirements, expands renewable energy mandates, and grants broader authority to both the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). These agencies would be empowered to set procurement thresholds and minimum megawatt requirements—decisions that will directly impact energy pricing and availability across Maryland.

Although the bill claims to prioritize affordability, it continues to double down on mandate-driven policies that risk undermining grid reliability. MEA and PSC are tasked with conducting “cost-effective” energy auctions, yet these efforts remain tied to aggressive renewable energy targets. At the same time, the legislation imposes penalties for projects that fail to meet development timelines, with compliance fees directed into the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. Existing protections for low- to moderate-income households—defined as those earning up to 150% of the state’s median income—remain unchanged.

One positive step forward came through an amendment offered by Katie Fry Hester, requiring data centers to bear the cost of the energy generation and infrastructure they demand, rather than shifting that burden onto residential ratepayers. This is a move toward fairness. However, several commonsense, cost-saving amendments were rejected. Efforts to withdraw Maryland from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), reform the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, and eliminate the EmPOWER surcharge were all voted down.

Maryland families are being told that layering additional fees and mandates will somehow reduce their energy bills. That simply does not add up. You cannot lower costs by adding more charges.

One amendment that did succeed—by a narrow 20–19 bipartisan vote—requires notification for impacted landowners. Some argued that failing to notify a handful of households was insignificant. I strongly disagree. When government decisions affect your property, your livelihood, and generational land, transparency is not optional—it is essential.

This issue is particularly important in Western Maryland, where the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link Project (MARL) directly impacts communities in Allegany and Garrett counties.

I also want to recognize Stephen Hershey Jr. for building bipartisan support behind an amendment to scale back aggressive energy mandates. Unfortunately, that proposal, along with other meaningful cost-saving measures, did not pass.

Marylanders deserve an energy policy grounded in affordability, reliability, and accountability. Right now, we are moving in the wrong direction.

I must also address a troubling moment during floor debate. After Christopher West introduced an amendment to withdraw Maryland from RGGI, senators immediately received an email from a well-funded advocacy group indicating that votes would be “scored” and publicized. This type of political pressure has no place in the legislative process. Lawmakers should be free to vote based on what is best for their constituents—not under threat from outside organizations seeking to influence outcomes.

At a time when energy costs continue to rise, reducing the burden on Maryland families should be our top priority. I commend Senator West for raising awareness about the need to withdraw from RGGI and for courageously calling out this unacceptable intimidation.

Senator Mike McKay
Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties Serving Appalachia Maryland

Teams Effort Gets Big Results – Edwards Funding Restored

Governor Moore funded the Senator George Edwards Fund to the tune of $9 million dollars total after adding in an extra one million in his supplemental budget.

McKay said getting the important monies restored was a team effort in the District 1 and 2 delegations…

“From Delegate Buckel to Delegate Hinebaugh, Delegate Baker, myself, adding in the District 2 delegation under Corderman, Wivell, Valentine, and Schindler. It’s a banner day for Western Maryland.” Read more here.

McKay Delivers $206,500 for Allegany County College, Conservation, and Community Services
Senator Mike McKay secured more than $206,000 in state funding for three projects across Allegany and Washington Counties—new community tennis courts at Allegany College of Maryland, expanded public hunting and hiking access on Warrior Mountain, and critical facility upgrades for a nonprofit serving families in Hancock.

“Western Marylanders send a lot of money to Annapolis. My job is to make sure some of it comes back to our communities—for projects that actually matter to the people who live here,” said Senator McKay.

Allegany College of Maryland Community Tennis Courts – $150,000 Allegany College of Maryland will receive $150,000 for new community tennis courts, giving students and residents alike access to quality recreation facilities right here in Cumberland.

Warrior Mountain Wildlife Management Area Expansion – $11,500 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will use $11,500 in Program Open Space funding to acquire 1.43 acres on Warrior Mountain in Allegany County. The forested property along Warrior Mountain Cutoff Road will expand public access for hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Interfaith Service Coalition of Hancock – $45,000 The Interfaith Service Coalition in Washington County will receive $45,000 for repairs, renovations, and equipment upgrades. The Coalition serves families in need throughout the Hancock area, and this funding ensures they can continue that mission.

“This isn’t Annapolis doing us a favor—this is our tax money coming home where it belongs,” McKay added. “I’ll keep fighting for every dollar that should be invested in Western Maryland, not wasted somewhere else.”

The Board of Public Works approved all three projects today.

BILL SPOTLIGHT

Senate Bill 26, introduced by Senator Mike McKay, is a forward-looking response to a growing energy challenge facing Maryland and the entire PJM region.

Did you know that electricity demand is projected to increase by as much as 75% by 2050, yet utilities in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and other PJM-served states are largely restricted from producing their own electricity? This disconnect between rising demand and limited in-state generation is putting increasing pressure on the grid, driving up costs, and threatening long-term reliability.

SB 26 addresses this challenge by creating a framework for “Consumer Regulated Electricity,” allowing large energy users—like data centers and advanced manufacturers—to develop their own dedicated, off-grid power supply.

This approach does three critical things:

Reduces strain on the existing grid and the PJM system.
Protects residential ratepayers from subsidizing massive new energy demand.

Encourages economic growth without shifting infrastructure costs onto families and small businesses.

At its core, SB 26 recognizes a simple reality: Maryland cannot meet future energy demand with yesterday’s policies. By enabling new, independent power generation outside the traditional utility structure, this legislation ensures we can keep the lights on, keep costs in check, and keep Maryland competitive in a rapidly evolving energy economy.

Follow the bill here.

A quick look at how your laws are made in Maryland

Every bill in the General Assembly goes through three “readings” before it can become law:

• First Reader – The bill is introduced and assigned to a committee for review.

• Second Reader – The bill returns to the floor after committee action and can be debated and amended by all members.

• Third Reader – This is the final vote on the bill in its completed form before moving to the other chamber or to the Governor.

That Third Reader vote is where we take our official position on final passage.

As your State Senator, I believe in transparency and accountability. You deserve to know how I vote on every bill that comes before the Senate.

My 2026 Third Reader Votes are available for you to review here.

If you ever have questions about a vote or a bill, don’t hesitate to reach out. I work for you—and I take that responsibility seriously.

I’m proud to support SB407 and SB81 as they came before the Judicial Proceedings Committee. These bills represent a balanced, common-sense approach to public safety—protecting our communities while respecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. At a time when trust, accountability, and safety must go hand in hand, these measures move us in the right direction. Public safety policy should never be about extremes. It should be about getting it right—and SB407 and SB81 do just that.