The Maryland General Assembly passed a bill that requires the state to cut greenhouse gas emissions 25% from 2006 levels by 2020.
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act, SB 278 and HB 315, creates one of the most aggressive emissions reductions goals in the country.
Gov. Martin O’Malley is expected to sign the bill into law soon.
“Thanks to the hard work of lawmakers and stakeholders, and unwavering public support, this legislation has remained strong," O’Malley said. "The economic and job benefits this legislation will spur in Maryland, as well as the environmental and health benefits as we work to protect our State’s more than 3,000 miles of coastline, come at a critical time.”
The bill directs the Maryland Department of the Environment to develop a plan and a timeline to achieve the 25% reduction goal. The legislation mandates that the plan must be in place by 2012.
Mike Tidwell, Director of the
Chesapeake Climate Action Network told Wind Energy Weekly
that policies already put in place during the last few years, such as
the state’s renewable electricity standard and a bill to cut emissions
from new cars, will allow the state to reach 60% of the goal. To
achieve the other 40%, the state agency has amassed a list of 42
options (e.g., reforestation, energy efficiency, etc.) used in other
states from which it could choose.
“It’s the strongest statutory emissions
reduction mandate in the country,” Tidwell said.
“Now we need a simultaneous and very strong federal carbon cap that complements Maryland’s effort by creating a level national playing field for our state’s industries and workers,” he added.
With thousands of miles of coastline and large section of low-lying land, Maryland is considered to be one of five states most vulnerable to climate change.
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