What are Clean Heat Rules?
Thanks to an Executive Order from Governor Wes Moore, Maryland is developing Clean Heat Rules — two complementary policies to make our air healthier, homes more energy efficient and energy bills more affordable while working toward the state’s climate goals:
The Clean Heat Standard (CHS) will provide funding to help households make energy efficiency upgrades, weatherize their homes and upgrade to modern, state-of-the-art efficient electric equipment. For-profit oil and gas corporations will be accountable for providing these clean heat services.
The Zero Emissions Heating Equipment Standard (ZEHES) will phase in zero-emissions heating equipment, ensuring future furnaces, boilers and water heaters are clean and efficient. When families replace furnaces, boilers, or water heaters after a certain date, this rule will ensure they have healthier and more affordable options available.
Together, the Clean Heat Rules mean cleaner air, lower bills, and healthier communities.
Maryland’s Equitable Pathway to Clean Heat
Maryland leaders must use every tool in their toolbelts to ensure that the transition to more efficient and less polluting heating equipment is smooth, equitable and affordable. That means relying on the expertise of every part of Maryland’s government through a whole-of-government approach that relies on four key pillars:
Low upfront cost of installation
Maryland’s agencies can work hand-in-hand with the General Assembly to lower the cost of adopting efficient electric equipment by strengthening EmPOWER Maryland, offering technical assistance, and offering stronger incentives to upgrade to clean heat.
Long-lasting cost savings
Maryland’s utility regulators and legislative leaders can pursue fairer electric rates that prioritize supporting low-income homeowners and renters and reflect the greater efficiency of next-generation heat pumps.
Market transformation
Maryland can take action across every executive agency to help send a clear market signal to minimize supply chain disruption, provide workforce training, and help manufacturers, distributors, and contractors prepare for the growing demand for modern heat pump technology.
A better experience for customers and workers
Upgrading to more efficient systems should be fast and easy, for both customers and contractors alike. Smart policy design and implementation can prioritize the replacement of inefficient and expensive fossil fuels systems, ensure contractors get reimbursed ASAP, rebates are offered at the point of sale, and make programs like EmPOWER Maryland clear and easy to navigate.