§ 7-516. Transition procedures

   (a) Environmental concerns and study. --

   (1) In recognition of the potential environmental impacts of restructuring the electric industry, it is the intent of the General Assembly to minimize the effects of electric restructuring on the environment.

   (2) Electric companies in Maryland shall conduct a study that tracks shifts in generation and emissions as a result of restructuring the electric industry.

   (3) The study shall be submitted to the Department of the Environment and the Commission one year after the initial date of implementation of customer choice.

   (4) Electric companies in Maryland shall update the study twice and submit each updated study to the Department of the Environment and the Commission on or before December 31, 2003 and on or before December 31, 2005.

(b) Review of study; surcharge. -- If, after review of the study required under subsection (a) of this section, the Department of the Environment determines that the emissions levels impose a higher emission burden in Maryland, the Department of the Environment, in consultation with the Commission, shall study the appropriateness, constitutionality, and feasibility of establishing an air quality surcharge or other mechanism to protect Maryland's environment in connection with the implementation of customer choice of electricity suppliers.

HISTORY: 1999, ch. 3, § 1; ch. 4, § 1; 2002, ch. 144; 2004, ch. 487, § 2; ch. 488, § 2.