At the end of 2023, the Maryland Department of the Environment released its Climate Pollution Reduction Plan outlining actions needed to reach the state’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 60% below 2006 levels by 2031 and reaching net zero emissions by 2045. Maryland already reduced emissions 20% from 2006 levels in 2020.
Key actions in the plan include completing the transition away from coal-fired power plants while scaling renewable energy sources including wind, solar, and battery. The state will also increase incentives for consumers to purchase electric vehicles while also electrifying publicly owned vehicle fleets. Energy efficiency will be supported through state actions to help consumers electrify their homes and by retrofitting 9,000 existing buildings.
The state anticipates that in addition to reducing emissions, policies in the plan will generate up to $1.2B in public health benefits and 27,400 jobs. In addition, the average household is expected to save $4,000 annually on energy.
