The purpose of this action is to update incorporate by reference

Regulation .02 to reflect the changes made by California since the

last Maryland update in 2019

The purpose of BEPS is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the buildings sector in Maryland. The Maryland Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 requires that BEPS include covered buildings that achieve the following: a 20% reduction in net direct GHG emissions by January 1, 2030, as compared with 2025 levels for average buildings of similar construction and; net-zero direct GHG emissions by January 1, 2040.

MDE must require covered building owners to measure and report direct emissions data on a yearly basis beginning in 2025. Covered buildings must be at least 35,000 square feet. The regulations include the following: energy use intensity targets by building type; flexibility to building owners; an alternative compliance pathway allowing the owner to pay a fee for emissions attributable to the building’s failure to meet direct GHG emissions reduction targets; and include considerations for the unique needs of particular building or occupancy types.

Address the public comments that were submitted for Supplement 32 and miscellaneous edits regarding formatting and punctuation.