Maryland would see significant economic and environmental benefits from taking early, immediate actions to reduce global warming pollution, according to the state’s Climate Action Plan released this week.
The plan developed by the Maryland Commission on Climate Change recommends actions to protect Maryland’s property and people from rising sea levels and changing weather patterns, and outlines forty-two actions to help the state reduce its global warming pollution.
"The findings of this report demonstrate that Maryland can and should take action now to reduce our global warming pollution," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson. "We can chart a future that includes economic growth and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Our study shows that not only are our goals are achievable, they will also help Maryland create renewable energy jobs and reduce energy costs to consumers."
Preliminary analysis in the Climate Action Report indicates that, by 2020, implementation of the forty-two strategies could result in a net economic benefit to the state of approximately $2 billion dollars. A study by the Baltimore-based International Center for Sustainable Development shows that Maryland could create between 144,000 and 326,000 "green collar" and research and development jobs by developing clean energy industries, contributing $5.7 billion in wages and salaries boosting local tax revenues by $973 million and increasing gross state production by $16 billion.
The Climate Action Report recommends a suite of 42 measures that range from energy efficiency and conservation, investments in clean energy technologies, waste management and advanced recycling, improved building and trade codes, "buy local" programs, and the use of farm by-products such as switch grass for energy production.
Several transportation-related options, including smart growth, better land use, and increased mass transit would combine to reduce Maryland’s vehicle miles traveled. If fully implemented, the plan would have Maryland reduce 2006 greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 25 to 50% by 2020.
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley said, "The Climate Change Commission and its work groups include some of the brightest minds in Maryland. Over the past ten months, this dedicated commission of scientists, business leaders, environmental groups, public health advocates, and legislators have worked to put together an incredible ‘road map’ for our future."
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