Testimony on SB 116
Board of Public Works – Contract Review – Climate and Sustainability Information
Senate Budget & Taxation Committee

Date: February 16, 2026
Position: SUPPORT

The Coalition for Smarter Growth supports SB116 Board of Public Works, Contract Review, Climate & Sustainability Information. 

SB116 will ensure that Maryland’s capital investment and procurement decisions are informed by how well they support the state’s climate change goals. Under the bill, agencies would be required to provide climate and sustainability information when submitting a contract to the Board of Public Works. Maryland communities, including Prince George’s and Montgomery counties where we work, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The state Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) provides a required blueprint for how the state must reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become more resilient. Thus, it is critical that state public works decisions are informed by climate and sustainability considerations and support the CSNA.

Also, at a time when tax resources are scarce, SB 116 will help ensure that Maryland’s state capital dollars are spent wisely to support the state’s climate mitigation goals.

We ask for a favorable report for SB 116 by the committee. Thank you.