Study finds Maryland has reduced emissions more than any other state in recent years

Between 2005 and 2022, Maryland reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by a higher percentage than any other state, according to a national study.

The study, which evaluated the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s database of state greenhouse gas inventories, determined that Maryland had reduced its global warming emissions by 36 percent. in 18 years. Washington, D.C., took second place, followed closely by Maine and New Hampshire.

Per capita, Maryland saw the third largest reduction (42%) behind Washington, D.C. and Georgia.

In Maryland and several other states, much of the reductions are due to the retirement of coal-fired power plants. To achieve further reductions in their carbon footprint, states will need to shift away from fossil fuels in other sectors, such as transportation and heating and cooling in buildings, according to the report published by the Environment America Research & Policy Center, the Public Interest Research Group and Frontier Group.

“It’s time to consider the next phase of reducing emissions, which will be powering our homes and buildings with clean, efficient energy, using electric vehicles and making it easier for people to get around by bike and on foot,” said Johanna Neumann. , senior director of the Environment America Research & Policy Center’s campaign for 100% renewable energy, in a press release.

According to the study, 44 states and the District saw emissions reductions during the study period, while six saw increases, with the largest increases in North Dakota (23%). , Idaho (20%) and South Dakota (15%). Much of these increases were attributed to oil and gas production as well as the agricultural sector, according to the study. Overall, the United States reduced its emissions by 15% during this period.

Maryland has some of the most ambitious climate goals in the country. The Climate Solutions Now Act, passed by the Legislature in 2022, requires the state to reduce emissions by 60% by 2031, based on a 2006 baseline. The law also requires the state to reach the net zero status, offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions through reductions, by 2045.

Study signals Maryland’s progress

Last December, the Maryland Department of the Environment released a climate plan, developed in collaboration with climate researchers at the University of Maryland, outlining steps the state could take to meet its deadline. Since the General Assembly mandate did not assign a specific funding source for the plan, the MDE suggested potential financing mechanisms to offset a shortfall of approximately $1 billion amid a budget crisis, including including taxes on emissions-generating industries.

By reducing its use of fossil fuels and increasingly powering the energy grid with renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, Maryland aims to reduce its production of carbon dioxide and other emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming.

The state met a previous goal ahead of schedule, which required Maryland to reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2020, also based on 2006 levels. According to the MDE analysis, policies already in place in Maryland will reduce emissions by 51%, based on 2006 levels, by 2031.

Emily Scarr, senior advisor at the Maryland PIRG Foundation, said the study signals Maryland’s progress but also highlights potential areas for improvement.

“Maryland has accomplished a lot through the power generation sector. There will be a few more (retirements),” Scarr said. “The key will be looking at what comes next, but also making sure we don’t do it again.”

That pushback could happen if the state approves new nonrenewable electricity generation, such as natural gas power plants, Scarr said. Maryland still has two coal-fired power plants, Brandon Shores and HA Wagner, both of which have announced retirement dates.

But the operator of the energy grid that includes Maryland, PJM Interconnection, has forced the plants to continue operating longer than planned, fearing the grid would be less reliable without their power. Retirements include the CP Crane plant in Baltimore County, as well as many others.

Focus on energy standards

Scarr said Maryland can make improvements, particularly in the commercial building sector, which saw a 23 percent increase during the study period, according to a Maryland PIRG news release.

Maryland is in the process of implementing building energy performance standards, mandated by the 2022 climate bill. MDE proposed the regulation earlier this year, which will require buildings 35,000 square feet and above to achieve effectively net zero direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

During the hearings, some affected building owners continued to voice opposition to certain requirements, Scarr said. Building owners should prepare to submit initial emissions data to the state next year, according to the MDE website.

“It’s a promising policy that could reverse some of the growth we’ve seen,” Scarr said.

By 2022, Maryland had seen a 4% decrease in the residential sector, according to the PIRG release.

This summer, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, signed an executive order requiring his administration to enact regulations that all newly installed heating and cooling equipment eventually be electric.

One area for improvement will be encouraging Marylanders to adopt heat pumps by providing additional funding when the time comes to replace heating and cooling systems, Scarr said.

With the re-election of former President Donald Trump, many in the environmental community are bracing for a rollback of the country’s climate commitments. Scarr said Wednesday’s study proves that individual state policies can lead to change.

“Whatever the national goal is, it’s the states that have the power to achieve it,” Scarr said. “It will probably become even more important.”

Baltimore Sun 2024. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.