MARYLAND — As state leaders consider legislation nuclear energy, a new UMBC poll shows many Marylanders support expanding the use of nuclear energy in the state.

The poll, which surveyed 803 adults, 769 of which were registered voters, asked questions about how they felt toward different energy sources. While natural gas, in addition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy had the highest percentages of support, 51 percent of people polled said they would support expanding the use of nuclear energy. Only 42 percent of people said they would support expanding the use of coal.

This comes as many bills are being debated in Annapolis, in an effort to encourage more in-state energy generation.

While the focus from state leaders over the last few years has largely been centered around creating clean energy and reducing emissions, renewable energy sources have produced a relatively small amount of energy. According to data provided by PJM, the regional grid operator, in 2023, wind and solar produced less than 3% of the of Maryland’s total in-state generation. Currently, around 40 percent of the energy generated in the state already comes from nuclear energy.

With more energy demand, state officials have acknowledged, to meet the demand, nuclear energy expansion is a likely part of the equation. Which is why several bills, including the ENERGIZE Maryland Act, have been proposed.

The ENERGIZE Maryland Act, which is supported by the Governor’s office, would classify nuclear energy as clean energy, and would put processes in place to encourage more nuclear energy projects in the state.

“The demand growth, without building more in-state generation, created a perfect storm of challenges,” said Saif Ratul, the Deputy Legislative Officer in the Governor’s office.

“This body knows the importance of nuclear energy in Maryland,” Ratul said.

“We think this bill will help us get on track,” said Paul Pinsky, the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration.

The Next Generation Energy Act, which has been proposed by top state Democratic lawmakers, also encourages new nuclear power generation. That bill, among the others proposed in the legislative package are expected to be heard in committee Friday.

Numerous other bills have also been proposed this legislative session in an attempt to address the state’s growing energy needs. Some of the bills are also related to overhead transmission lines, including the controversial Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, which is the proposed 70-mile transmission line, which would cross Baltimore, Frederick and Carroll Counties.

Some of the proposed bills include protecting conserved land from overhead transmission lines, as well as making sure alternative options are considered in the process. Other bills are related to more thorough energy and transmission planning, better representation on the Maryland Public Service Commission, and legislation to ensure data centers pay their fair share for energy infrastructure, especially since they are driving much of the new demand.