Maryland residents and advocates joined legislators at Lawyers Mall to push for policies that strengthen solar energy programs and protect Maryland households from high energy costs.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland legislators, clean energy advocates, and community leaders gathered today at Lawyers Mall to call for continued state action on affordable, clean energy for all Maryland households. The rally marked the start of the 2026 Maryland legislative session and highlighted the urgent need for policies that defend against federal policy rollbacks and make renewable energy sources, such as solar, more accessible in Maryland. 

Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (District 20), the House sponsor of the Affordable Solar Act, and Senator Benjamin Brooks (District 10), the Senate sponsor of the bill, joined advocates to highlight the robust support for the Affordable Solar Act by speaking to the equity provisions of the legislation and the benefits for jobs and families. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen Maryland’s solar renewable energy credit program in a way that lowers energy costs and accelerates the state’s transition to clean energy sources.

“The General Assembly has the opportunity to take decisive action this legislative session in order to permanently fix Maryland’s Solar Renewable Energy Credit program in a way that protects ratepayers and gets more clean energy built,” said Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (District 20). “Although the federal administration is attacking the solar industry, we have the opportunity to fight back.”

“While Washington is putting up roadblocks and driving up energy costs, Maryland is taking action,” said Senator Ben Brooks (District 10). “The Affordable Solar Act protects ratepayers, lowers utility bills, and delivers clean, reliable power by modernizing our solar incentives and expanding access to solar for homeowners, renters, and working families.” 

Many delegates from the Environment and Transportation Committees joined the rally, showing that clean energy is a top priority this session. Their presence, including Delegate Linda Foley (District 15), Vice Chair Michelle Guyton (District 42B), Delegate Nick Allen (District 8), and Delegate Jeffrie Long (District 27B), underscored the growing momentum within the Maryland General Assembly and signaled a clear commitment to advancing Maryland’s transition to affordable clean energy.

Energy experts and community leaders emphasized that clean energy is now the most affordable and stable long-term solution for households struggling to make ends meet. As fossil fuel prices fluctuate due to global markets and supply disruptions, the cost of solar and wind power continues to decline, offering Maryland families reliable energy savings and economic benefits to local communities. Maryland’s shift to clean energy will benefit all residents, advocates said, while reforming utility compensation and protecting ratepayers from the cost of data center expansion.

“When energy costs rise, it’s our seniors, working families, and small businesses who feel it first and hardest,” said Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway. “We can’t keep asking Baltimoreans to absorb higher bills when cleaner, cheaper solutions are ready now. Solar puts the lowest-cost electrons on the grid, strengthens our energy security, and cuts pollution at the same time, making it one of the most direct ways to lower household costs and protect our neighborhoods.”

“Marylanders across the state are excited about ambitious action from the legislature to advance clean energy and fight back against the reasons that utility bills are so high — PJM mismanagement, investor-owned utilities raising rates, and irresponsible deployment of data centers,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland Director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund. “We are excited to support Del. Charkoudian, Sen. Brooks, and other legislators as they work diligently to enact policies that will save Marylanders money and reduce health risks from fossil fuel pollution.”

Community energy advocates and local leaders spoke about ensuring that Maryland’s shift to clean energy benefits all residents, emphasizing how these policies are the most effective at lowering utility bills while creating healthier communities. Speakers from across the state, representing labor, business, and environmental justice organizations, stressed the importance of equitable access to clean energy programs that benefit renters, low-income families, and communities of color disproportionately burdened by high energy costs.

“Third Act Maryland is committed to stemming fossil fuel reliance, mitigating climate change, and powering up solar energy,” said Laurie Welch, a Third Act Maryland member. “The Affordable Solar Act is a demonstration of the same activism that powered 450 events nationwide for Third Act-sponsored SunDay events this past September. Our members are eager to support legislators in getting the Affordable Solar Act over the finish line.”

“Maryland faith communities have been moving with sacred haste to dedicate new solar panels and shift our sanctuaries away from burning fossil fuels,” said Joelle Novey, Interfaith Power and Light DMV. “Now, we’re calling on our legislators to follow our lead by passing the Affordable Solar Act, and bring the blessings of solar power to more and more of our neighbors in Maryland.” 

The rally drew a diverse crowd of advocates who displayed colorful banners and clean energy signs against the backdrop of the Maryland State House, demonstrating strong grassroots support for affordable, renewable energy solutions that put families and communities first.