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Energy Bill Passes Out of Committee
House EnergyPolicy (PCB-ENRC-08-01) passed the House Environment and Natural Resources Council on Wednesday. The bill contains numerous positive provisions relating to energy policy. Unfortunately, it also contains language that is problematic regarding ad valorem assessments when renewable energy source devices are installed. Property owners would receive an exemption for the cost of the device regardless of whether their assessment is raised as a result of installing such a device. Because the bill is not limited to homesteaders, it would apply to commercial properties that may be installing quite costly systems. The bill also preempts local government zoning ordinances with regard to electrical substations, transmission lines, and power lines.