Landmark Climate Legislation to Become Law
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Leading environmental and climate advocacy groups today congratulated the General Assembly following final enactment of the Climate Solutions Now Act, ensuring Maryland will move forward with critically needed action to battle climate change. Governor Larry Hogan announced today he would not veto the bill, but would allow it to become law without his signature.
“We are grateful the Maryland General Assembly had the courage and vision to vote for a healthy future for Marylanders,” said Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble. “Action by the legislature ensures Maryland is leading the nation in fighting the impacts of climate change.”
The legislation will accelerate the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expand the use of clean energy and spur new investments in communities that are most vulnerable to climate change.
“This legislation advances Maryland’s response to climate change significantly and includes important new provisions to achieve climate justice,” said Staci Hartwell, Chair of the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee of the NAACP Maryland State Conference. “Many communities, overburdened with polluting industries and other hazards, will see new investments, thanks to the legislation. It also will create new opportunities in these communities to take advantage of the move to clean energy that is underway in Maryland. We should be proud the General Assembly has passed such a far-reaching and equitable measure.”
“Climate Solutions Now will bring clean energy investments to communities all across the state and lay the groundwork for meaningful climate action for years to come. Marylanders should be proud of the leadership the General Assembly showed in advancing this bill into law and continue to call on them to act on climate,” said Victoria Venable, Maryland Director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network and CCAN Action Fund.
“Climate solutions are good for our environment, our health, and our wallets. With gas prices skyrocketing, this is a critical time for Maryland to invest in a clean energy future, to help Marylanders reduce their reliance on fossil fuels,” said Josh Tulkin, Director of the Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club.
The legislation’s key components include provisions to:
Require the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 60 percent by 2031 and reach net-zero emissions by 2045.
Require large commercial and residential buildings to reduce their emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
Expand the state’s electric vehicle fleet, including school buses.
Incorporate key elements to promote environmental justice and invest in overburdened communities
Major provisions in the legislation are supported by strong majorities of Maryland voters, according to polling done this year for the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. The polling, conducted by OpinionWorks in Annapolis, found 77% of respondents agreed that Maryland should take steps to address climate change, and 76% support requiring existing large commercial buildings in Maryland to make needed improvements to reduce emissions.
Maryland Climate Action is a coalition of dozens of organizations committed to climate change legislation.