§ 9-20A-01. Definitions

   (a) In general. -- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) Administration. -- "Administration" means the Maryland Energy Administration.

(c) Borrower. -- "Borrower" means an eligible local jurisdiction, nonprofit organization, or eligible business that applies and qualifies for a loan under this Program.

(d) Eligible business. -- "Eligible business" means a commercial enterprise or business:

   (1) that is incorporated in the State; or

   (2) whose principal owners are State residents and the business of which is principally carried out in the State.

(e) Energy cost savings. -- "Energy cost savings" means the actual reduction in operating expenses resulting from the improved energy efficiency generated by an energy conservation project financed under the Program.

(f) Fund. -- "Fund" means the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Fund.

(g) Local jurisdiction. --

   (1) "Local jurisdiction" means any county or municipality of the State.

   (2) "Local jurisdiction" includes:

      (i) a board of education of a county or municipality;

      (ii) a special district that is established by State law and that operates within a single county;

      (iii) a special district that is established by a county under public general law; and

      (iv) an office, board, or department that is established in a county under State law and that is funded, under State law, at least in part by the county governing body.

(h) Municipality. -- "Municipality" means any municipal corporation in the State that is subject to the provisions of Article XI-E of the Maryland Constitution or any duly authorized agency or instrumentality of the municipality.

(i) Nonprofit organization. -- "Nonprofit organization" means a corporation, foundation, school, hospital, or other legal entity, no part of the net earnings of which inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual holding an interest in the entity.

(j) Program. -- "Program" means the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program.

(k) Project. --

   (1) "Project" means:

      (i) one or more improvements or modifications that enhance the energy efficiency and reduce the operating expenses of a structure; or

      (ii) installation of infrastructure for renewable energy generation by local jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations.

   (2) "Project" includes:

      (i) start-up opportunities for new businesses if the loan would enhance the energy efficiency of the borrower's business;

      (ii) installation of equipment to make buildings self-sustaining and of emergency generating units that use renewable energy resources; and

      (iii) implementation of methane removal at landfills.

   (3) "Project" does not include improvements or modifications for energy conservation or renewable energy generation in structures used primarily for religious or fraternal activities.

(l) Renewable energy resource. -- "Renewable energy resource" has the meaning stated in § 1-101 of the Public Utilities Article.

HISTORY: 2008, ch. 466, § 2; ch. 467, § 2; 2009, ch. 169; 2010, ch. 52.