FY20 Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program

UPDATE: Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order​ on March 12th mandating teleworking for non-essential state employees across all state agencies in response to COVID-19.  During this time, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Lawton loan program manager be reached via email at david.giusti1@maryland.gov Information submitted to MEA by postal mail may have processing times affected by the office closure.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your understanding. 

FY21 Update: To ease financial implications due to COVID-19, the anticipated interest rate for FY21 Lawton Loans will be reduced for all non-state agencies. MEA also anticipated offering microloans for cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades to aid businesses, particularly small businesses, and those impacted by COVID-19. MEA anticipates capping loans for Maryland Businesses, nonprofits, and local governments to $200,000to benefit more participants. More details to follow and updated loan documents will be posted soon.

****MARYLAND STATE AGENCIES NOTE: Beginning with FY20, the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program includes State agencies among eligible borrowers. The Lawton program now supplants the State Agency Loan Program (SALP).

In honor of the late Delegate Lawton for her dedication to Maryland's environment and energy efficiency, MEA is proud to offer the FY20 Jane E. Lawton Loan Program (Lawton Loan Program, the program). The program provides eligible borrowers with loans that typically range from $50,000 - $500,000 to identify and install energy conservation measures and improvements in their facilities. Borrowers can then use the cost savings generated by added improvements as the primary source of revenue for repaying the loans. This neutral budget impact makes the Lawton Loan Program an attractive financing opportunity for interested organizations.

The newest cycle of the Jane. E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program is now open and accepting applications. The Lawton Program has undergone some changes for FY20 due to newly passed legislation (House Bill 170​) which allows Maryland State Agencies access to the program in addition to Maryland non-profit organizations, local governments, and businesses.

A total of $2,050,000 Lawton Loan Program funds is available in FY20. Those funds will be divided during the half of the fiscal year, based on the type of borrower. During the first half of the fiscal year, State agencies have access to have $1,200,000 set-aside and the remaining $850,000 is reserved for non-profits, local governments, and qualified Maryland businesses. Additionally, $205,000 is exclusively for non-profit organizations for the first three months of the year. After the first three months, the non-profit organization set-aside is lifted; similarly, after the first six months of the fiscal year the set-aside for State agencies is also lifted and applicants from all sectors may apply for any remaining FY20 Lawton loan funds on a first-come, first served basis.

***MEA reserves the right to modify these terms of availability at any time.

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