Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe that Sine Die was two weeks ago!  Although my legislative duties have lessened, I have community speaking engagements and meetings to attend. I have been fortunate to spend time with family and catch up on tasks that went undone during the session. 

As the 2025 Legislative Session began, many of us were shocked by unexpectedly high energy bills. In response, the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) knew action had to be taken to address rising electricity costs. The electricity demand was increasing at an alarming rate, but our production was not. Factors like working from home, increased reliance on air conditioning and heating during extreme weather, and the number of electric vehicles and data centers all contribute to higher electricity consumption. Contributing to the problem was the retirement of coal and oil plants.

To tackle this, the MGA introduced a comprehensive energy package aimed at providing relief.

The Next Generation Energy Act (SB937) offers a $200 million refund to residential electric customers, averaging $80 per customer, with payments scheduled for once in the summer and once again in the winter. The legislation also fast-tracks cleaner in-state energy generation, reduces dependence on energy from neighboring states, and introduces cost containment measures for utility companies’ spending on gas infrastructure. The bill also establishes that it is the policy of the State to encourage the development of nuclear power and make several changes to further that policy, including establishing an application process for new nuclear energy procurement. Additionally, it ensures that multi-year rate plans benefit customers and caps costs, removes waste incineration from Maryland’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, and requires large energy users like data centers to contribute their fair share.

Among other things, Senate Bill 931/House Bill 1036: 

• establishes requirements for the construction of energy storage devices and solar energy generating stations and impose specified requirements and limitations on local jurisdictions concerning their construction and development; 

• create an expedited Distributed Generation Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for solar energy generating systems with a capacity to produce more than 2 megawatts but not more than 5 megawatts of alternating current; 

• modify community solar requirements to allow for banked bill crediting; 

• establish warranty requirements related to residential rooftop solar energy generating systems and mandate the creation of a new license for their installation and maintenance; 

• modify the definition of agrivoltaics; 

• require the Department of Natural Resources to take specified actions to assist the State in meeting its solar energy commitments; 

• require PSC to conduct two studies and report on the results of those studies by a specified date; and  

• specify that a presently existing obligation or contract right may not be impaired in any way by the bills. 

Finally, the Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act (SB909) establishes a new Strategic Energy Planning Office to improve energy forecasting and reduce reliance on external grid operators. These measures will make Maryland’s energy grid more resilient and reliable in the face of future challenges.

As passed, the package advances a comprehensive solution to enhance energy affordability and reliability. This is the most aggressive energy affordability package for Marylanders in decades.

Maryland’s identity is inseparable from its waters—the Chesapeake Bay, our rivers, and countless streams and estuaries that nourish our ecosystems and communities. But climate change, driven by rising seas and decades of unchecked corporate pollution, threatens this legacy. In 2025, we acted decisively.

The RENEW Act (SB149) was passed to confront Maryland’s largest polluters by studying their emissions and assessing the long-term environmental costs they’ve created. This lays the groundwork for holding them accountable and shaping future environmental policy. It requires the Comptroller, in coordination with the Department of Commerce and MDE, to conduct a study to assess the total cost of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the State and report the findings. The report must include:

(1) a summary of the various cost-driving effects of covered GHG emissions on the State; 

(2) a calculation of the costs that have been incurred and costs that are projected to be incurred by the State; and

(3) an economic analysis to determine if there would be a cost passed on to taxpayers if each fossil fuel company that has a sufficient nexus to the State and that emitted more than 1.0 billion tons of GHG emissions globally between 1995 and 2024 were required to compensate the State for climate change.

The Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act (HB506) was an Administration bill that encompasses several initiatives related to the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. It also funds regenerative agriculture, oyster aquaculture, and water quality improvements—proven strategies to restore the Bay’s health and resilience. 

And through SB901, Environment - Packaging and Paper Products - Producer Responsibility Plans, we expanded Maryland’s framework for producer responsibility, making corporations—not taxpayers—responsible for recycling the packaging waste they create. Once fully implemented, this policy will reduce litter, improve recycling outcomes, and relieve local governments from an unfair financial burden. These steps aren’t just about conservation—they’re about protecting Maryland’s future.

The Governor held his second bill signing ceremony on Tuesday, April 22nd.  I am happy to report that SB305, my Virtual Currency Kiosks bill and SB1026, my Emergency Bill, the Maryland Secondary Market Stability Act of 2025 were both signed.  

The next scheduled bill signing is May 6th at Noon. The list of bills scheduled to signed will be posted the afternoon of May 5th here.

My office has heard from numerous federal employees expressing concerns about job security and the potential defunding of essential services they provide. In addition, many constituents have voiced worries about funding and their rights.

To assist those affected by these challenges, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth has also compiled a comprehensive resource guide, which will be especially valuable to federal workers, immigrant families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community during this period of uncertainty. Click here to view the guide.

Governor Moore has also launched the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website, which serves as a centralized hub for programs and resources to support Maryland’s federal employees and contractors impacted by federal workforce layoffs, firings, and changes to federal funding. 

The website provides resources for impacted federal workers, including information on unemployment insurance, job search and career support, legal resources, and an index of key rules and regulations that govern the federal employment process. 

The site includes resources for Unemployment Insurance, Career Support, Health Coverage, Legal Resources and more.

• MD Labor Resource Website - This website provides information on resources like unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance, and reemployment support.
• FAQs for Federal Employees - Unemployment Insurance -Resource for Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE).
• Regular Unemployment Insurance Overview - Other workers impacted by federal actions - such as employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government - may be eligible to apply for regular unemployment insurance.
• Virtual Workshop - A virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition is available on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.

The website will be updated regularly as additional information becomes available.

The Comptroller of Maryland - Frozen Federal Funds Reporting. Recent federal actions have resulted in the freezing and/or revocation of federal loans and grants to some nonprofit organizations. The Comptroller of Maryland has been closely monitoring this situation, particularly given the potential impact on Maryland’s economy, workforce, and communities. To assist us in assessing the scope and impact of these funding cuts, we invite you to share information with us if you have had problems accessing federal funding.

The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) has prepared resources to support Maryland workers impacted by the federal government transition, including employees of the federal government and federal government contractors.

• Resource pages
  The MD Labor resource page provides information about unemployment insurance benefits and reemployment support, linking to our FAQs, application portals, and most-requested flyers for rapid access to key information. Governor Moore’s Resources for Impacted Workers page also provides legal resources, information on federal employment rules and regulations, and county programs and resources.
• Unemployment insurance FAQs
  Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). See our Unemployment Insurance FAQs for Federal Workers. Other workers impacted by federal actions—such as employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government—may be eligible to apply for regular unemployment insurance. See the Regular Unemployment Insurance Overview flyer for details. Individuals who are found eligible can receive up to $430 in weekly benefits (pre-tax).
  
  Workers should apply for UI benefits in the jurisdiction of their "duty station." This means, for example, that if you are a Marylander who is laid off from a federal job based in Virginia, you should apply for benefits in Virginia. Here are direct links to apply for UI benefits in Maryland; Washington, DC; and Virginia.
• Unemployment insurance phone line
  To apply for unemployment, workers can file online or call 667-207-6520 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Federal workers should select option #9.
• Virtual workshop for impacted workers
  A virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition is available on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.
• Support in finding a new job
  MD Labor offers résumé workshops, individualized career guidance, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, support in coping with job loss and job transition, networking support, reemployment workshops, and more. These resources are provided through 33 American Job Centers (AJCs) and our specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). See our resource guide (guía de recursos en español) for details. See our FAQ page for answers to common questions from workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities.

Sincerely,

Pamela Beidle

Senator, District 32, Maryland General Assembly

Click here to be directed to our Unemployment Insurance Assistance Form. 

Starting this season, mosquito fogging will occur in your community on Tuesday nights during the 2025 season. Fogging will take place between 7:00 PM and 2:30 AM.

🔹 Exemption: If you don't want your property to be fogged, you can file for an exemption. Find the form here: Mosquito Control Exemption Form

🔹 Please stay indoors during fogging operations for your safety.

📅 Estimated Last Day of Fogging: September 30, 2025

For more info: 🌐 Mosquito Control Info

Email: mosquito.control@maryland.gov
📞 410-841-5870 | 443-875-7798

Date: May 8

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Register today for an informative webinar on biking, commuting, and saving time & money! This session is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about Bike Month, Commuter Choice

Maryland, and active transportation options in Maryland.

🔹 What to Expect:

• Fun events and incentives for multimodal commuting 🚶‍♀️🚴‍♂️🚍

• Programs improving safety and connectivity for walking and biking

• Insights from MDOT experts and partners

Presenters:

• Kandese Holford, Director, MDOT Office of Active Transportation

• Meg Young, Deputy Director, MDOT Office of Active Transportation

• Nikki Trasmonte, TDM Coordinator, MDOT

• Jaime McKay, Deputy Director, Transit Services of Frederick County

Don’t miss out! Register today and learn how you can get moving safely and efficiently! 🌟

👉 [Register here]

If someone forwarded this newsletter to you or you're viewing it online, you can subscribe here.

Unsubscribe from future updates