The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has proposed a rule that would impose a new data reporting requirement on gas utilities and energy marketers. The rule, known as the Heating Fuel Provider Reporting Program (HFPRP), requires companies that distribute heating fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, and kerosene to report to MDE the total amount of fuel delivered for final sale in each county and by sector (residential, commercial, or industrial). The reports would be due each quarter.

NFIB is concerned that this new program will add expenses to heating fuel providers and ultimately cost small businesses. The HFPRP is billed as a prelude to MDE creating a clean heat standard and a zero-emission heating equipment standard whereby gas utilities and fuel oil & propane companies will be required to lower emissions over time; and fuel-burning equipment will have to be retired in favor of electric-only heat pumps, respectively. The state’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan, issued in 2023, includes both standards as necessary to meet Maryland’s ambitious climate goals. The cost of the plan was estimated by MDE to be $1 billion annually.