Maryland Republicans Blame Renewable Energy Push for Rising Bills

GOP lawmakers say state's aggressive renewable energy policies are driving up costs for residents.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As lawmakers in Annapolis continue to debate ways to lower rising energy costs in Maryland, Republicans are blaming the state's push toward renewable energy for skyrocketing bills. Senate Minority Leader Justin Ready criticized a proposal from Gov. Wes Moore to give ratepayers a one-time $40 rebate, saying he would instead like to see the state pause the EmPOWER program, which is funded by a monthly charge on energy bills.

Why it matters

The debate over rising energy costs and the role of renewable energy policies is a major political issue in Maryland, with Republicans arguing the state's aggressive green energy agenda is harming consumers through higher bills.

The details

Ready said that while he supports renewables, the state is forcing the issue at the expense of its residents. He argued the state can't "outstrip market forces" and shut down reliable, affordable forms of energy production "without it starting to cost people more." Instead of a one-time rebate, Ready wants the state to pause the EmPOWER program, which he says could save ratepayers nearly $20 per month.

  • The debate over rising energy costs and renewable energy policies is ongoing in the Maryland state legislature.

The players

Justin Ready

Senate Minority Leader in the Maryland General Assembly and a Republican critic of the state's renewable energy policies.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who has proposed a one-time $40 rebate for ratepayers to help offset rising energy costs.

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What they’re saying

“You can't outstrip market forces to the degree that we have without it costing every – and you certainly can't then shut down reliable, affordable forms of energy production without it starting to cost people more.”

— Justin Ready, Senate Minority Leader (WBAL)

What’s next

The debate over energy costs and renewable energy policies is expected to continue in the Maryland legislature as lawmakers seek solutions to rising bills for residents.

The takeaway

The partisan divide over renewable energy policies in Maryland highlights the political tensions surrounding the state's efforts to transition to greener power sources, with Republicans arguing the push is harming consumers through higher energy bills.