Section 7-701 - Definitions [Subject to amendment effective January 1, 2011; amended version follows this section].
§ 7-701.Definitions [Subject to amendment effective January 1, 2011; amended version follows this section].
(a) In general.- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) Administration.- "Administration" means the Maryland Energy Administration.
(c) Fund.- "Fund" means the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund established under § 9-20B-05 of the State Government Article.
(d) Industrial process load.- "Industrial process load" means the consumption of electricity by a manufacturing process at an establishment classified in the manufacturing sector under the North American Industry Classification System, Codes 31 through 33.
(e) Old growth timber.- "Old growth timber" means timber from a forest:
(1) at least 5 acres in size with a preponderance of old trees, of which the oldest exceed at least half the projected maximum attainable age for the species; and
(2) that exhibits several of the following characteristics:
(i) shade-tolerant species are present in all age and size classes;
(ii) randomly distributed canopy gaps are present;
(iii) a high degree of structural diversity characterized by multiple growth layers reflecting a broad spectrum of ages is present;
(iv) an accumulation of dead wood of varying sizes and stages of decomposition accompanied by decadence in live dominant trees is present; and
(v) pit and mound topography can be observed.
(f) PJM region.- "PJM region" means the control area administered by the PJM Interconnection, Inc., as the area may change from time to time.
(g) Poultry litter.- "Poultry litter" means the fecal and urinary excretions of poultry, including wood shavings, sawdust, straw, rice hulls, and other bedding material for the disposition of manure.
(h) Qualifying biomass.-
(1) "Qualifying biomass" means a nonhazardous, organic material that is available on a renewable or recurring basis, and is:
(i) waste material that is segregated from inorganic waste material and is derived from sources including:
1. except for old growth timber, any of the following forest-related resources:
A. mill residue, except sawdust and wood shavings;
B. precommercial soft wood thinning;
C. slash;
D. brush; or
E. yard waste;
2. a pallet, crate, or dunnage;
3. agricultural and silvicultural sources, including tree crops, vineyard materials, grain, legumes, sugar, and other crop by-products or residues; or
4. gas produced from the anaerobic decomposition of animal waste or poultry waste; or
(ii) a plant that is cultivated exclusively for purposes of being used at a Tier 1 renewable source or a Tier 2 renewable source to produce electricity.
(2) "Qualifying biomass" includes biomass listed in paragraph (1) of this section that is used for co-firing, subject to § 7-704(d) of this subtitle.
(3) "Qualifying biomass" does not include:
(i) unsegregated solid waste or postconsumer wastepaper; or
(ii) an invasive exotic plant species.
(i) Renewable energy credit.- "Renewable energy credit" or "credit" means a credit equal to the generation attributes of 1 megawatt-hour of electricity that is derived from a Tier 1 renewable source or a Tier 2 renewable source that is located:
(1) in the PJM region or in a state that is adjacent to the PJM region; or
(2) outside the area described in item (1) of this subsection but in a control area that is adjacent to the PJM region, if the electricity is delivered into the PJM region.
(j) Renewable energy portfolio standard.- "Renewable energy portfolio standard" or "standard" means the percentage of electricity sales at retail in the State that is to be derived from Tier 1 renewable sources and Tier 2 renewable sources in accordance with § 7-703(b) of this subtitle.
(k) Renewable on-site generator.- "Renewable on-site generator" means a person who generates electricity on site from a Tier 1 renewable source or a Tier 2 renewable source for the person's own use.
(l) Tier 1 renewable source.- "Tier 1 renewable source" means one or more of the following types of energy sources:
(1) solar;
(2) wind;
(3) qualifying biomass;
(4) methane from the anaerobic decomposition of organic materials in a landfill or wastewater treatment plant;
(5) geothermal;
(6) ocean, including energy from waves, tides, currents, and thermal differences;
(7) a fuel cell that produces electricity from a Tier 1 renewable source under item (3) or (4) of this subsection;
(8) a small hydroelectric power plant of less than 30 megawatts in capacity that is licensed or exempt from licensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and
(9) poultry litter-to-energy.
(m) Tier 2 renewable source.- "Tier 2 renewable source" means one or more of the following types of energy sources:
(1) hydroelectric power other than pump storage generation; and
(2) waste-to-energy.
[2004, ch. 487, § 1; ch. 488, § 1; 2005, ch. 266; 2007, chs. 119, 120; 2008, chs. 127, 128, 135, 136.]