The Maryland Commission on Climate Change, Mitigation Working Group (MWG) has released its 2025 draft policy recommendations intended to make progress toward Maryland’s aggressive climate mitigation goals.
Emissions from cars, trucks, and other modes of transportation are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland. Sluggish electric vehicle sales, withdrawal of federal subsidies for electric vehicle charging equipment and deauthorization of state authority to impose vehicle emissions mandates are major headwinds slowing progress toward Maryland’s transportation sector goals.
MWG is considering several related proposals, including requiring installation of electric vehicle charging equipment in new multifamily construction, reallocating funds from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to provide additional rebates for Electric Vehicle purchases, and adopting a clean fuel standard to reduce emissions from heavy trucks and other vehicles.
Electric power generation remains the largest source of emissions. Environmental advocates are again pressing for an economy-wide tax on greenhouse gas emissions as well as emissions standards for fossil fuel power plants.
Also under consideration is a proposal to change the state’s greenhouse gas accounting method that would better count green power purchase agreements and renewable energy.
The draft list of 11 recommendations will be narrowed to four that will be considered for inclusion in the Commission’s annual report to the Governor and General Assembly.