The decarbonization goals in the Climate Solutions Now Act will impact every sector of Maryland’s economy. However, exactly how the state will achieve a 60 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2031 and net zero emissions by 2045 has not been detailed.
The Maryland Department of Environment has until December of this year to develop a plan that will meet or exceed the goals.
The University of Maryland School of Public Policy has modeled a series of measures that, if implemented, could meet the 2031 and 2045 goals. They include:
- An economy-wide cap-and-invest program that would require GHG emitters to purchase carbon credits;
- Phasing in a zero-emission construction standard and zero-emission appliance standard beginning in 2027; and
- A mandate that all electricity generated in-state come from renewable, nuclear or hydroelectric sources by 2040.
The UMD study which includes assessments of incentives and other support required to achieve GHG reductions, is currently being circulated for public comment. Michael Powell of Gordon Feinblatt’s Energy and Environmental Team summarizes the study in this brief: Maryland’s Climate Change Pathway | Gordon Feinblatt LLC (gfrlaw.com)