MDE's Climate Change Program
MDE's Climate Change Program oversees the development and implementation of the state's plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conducts the state's greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The staff support the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, the Carbon Markets and Trees Commission, the Buildings Energy Transition Task Force, the Building Energy Performance Regulations (BEPS) process, and they manage Maryland's membership in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the U.S. Climate Alliance. This program also ensures the state complies with climate change-related state and federal laws.
Maryland has set the most aggressive GHG emissions reduction goals in the nation. Under the Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) of 2022, a target has been established at 60% (over the 2006 level) by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045. MDE has been working with the Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland on a conceptual roadmap to reach our climate goals. Read "Maryland's Climate Pathway Report."
MDE will conduct public outreach sessions around the state and online this summer and fall on the policies to include in Maryland’s GHG Reduction Plan, which will be published in December. Marylanders are also welcome to comment on the "Pathway" report using this form.
Questions to consider:
1. What new policy would you like the state to consider to achieve its GHG reduction goals?
a. What are the costs and benefits of implementing the policy?
b. How does the policy address equity, especially for low-income and historically disadvantaged Marylanders?
c. Would the policy create new jobs or have other workforce impacts?
2. Other than new policies, what do you think the state should consider when developing its GHG Reduction Plan?
