Maryland’s energy landscape remains a point of contention between Republican and Democratic lawmakers, with Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey sharply criticizing the legislature’s performance during the 2025 session. Hershey argues the Democrats dramatically failed to address Maryland’s critical resource adequacy requirements, a significant concern given the state’s reliance on out-of-state energy sources – over 40% of Maryland’s energy generation originates from outside the state. This dependence, Hershey contends, actively hinders economic growth and underscores the urgent need for in-state energy solutions. He highlights Governor Wes Moore’s initiative, alongside eight other states, to pursue interregional transmission solutions aimed at reducing consumer costs, while simultaneously criticizing the lack of action from neighboring energy-producing states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Hershey emphasizes that Maryland's current policies – or lack thereof – ensure the state will perpetually rely on external sources to meet its substantial energy demands. This situation is further exacerbated by the closure of numerous power plants within Maryland in recent years, a trend that has intensified the state’s vulnerability to fluctuating energy prices and supply disruptions. Republicans, including Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready, are pushing for a more proactive approach, advocating for expanded natural gas production as a viable and cost-effective solution to mitigate Maryland’s net energy deficit. Ready argues that the Democratic reluctance to embrace natural gas is rooted in unfounded fears, characterizing it as a ‘clean and affordable form of energy.’ He believes that a shift towards natural gas could significantly bolster Maryland’s energy security and stimulate economic activity. Ready suggests that while Governor Moore has shown some openness to nuclear power as a renewable alternative, substantial changes are likely years away.

A key point of contention is Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandates a minimum percentage of electricity sales from renewable sources. Republicans argue that pausing the RPS program and eliminating monthly charges on energy bills—as they propose—would provide immediate relief to consumers and address the resource adequacy crisis. State Sen. Brian Feldman, a Montgomery County Democrat, acknowledges some improvements in the ‘reliability’ of energy sources following the legislative session. Feldman highlights the passage of House Bill 1035/Senate Bill 937, which requires that any new natural gas plant approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission be able to convert to hydrogen or zero-emissions biofuel when deemed ‘feasible.’ This legislation represents a compromise, balancing resource adequacy concerns with feedback from various groups. Feldman asserts that the bill acknowledges broader considerations and addresses concerns raised during the session. The debate reflects a fundamental disagreement on energy policy – prioritizing immediate solutions versus long-term renewable investments, and the role of natural gas in Maryland’s energy future. Moving forward, the ability of Maryland’s legislature to forge a consensus on energy strategy will be crucial for ensuring a stable and secure energy supply for the state’s residents and businesses.