MFRW News on Maryland Climate Pathway
On Friday June 30th, the Maryland Department of the Environment released its proposed plan for implementing the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 requiring Maryland to reach a 60% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2006 levels by 2031, and Zero net statewide GHG emissions by 2045. The proposed plan also incorporates the goals of HB 230 (SB224) of 2023 for all or nearly all trucks sold in Maryland being electric. The proposal is titled Maryland’s Climate Pathway. There is a Technical Appendix as well. There will be Public Outreach Sessions around the State this summer and fall but the schedule has not yet been released.
MD Dept. of the Environment Climate Change Program
This is a far-reaching proposal that will affect all of our lives. Please take some time to review it.
As I quickly went through the proposal several things pop out to me:
1) Maryland imports about 40% of its energy from states in the PJM region, seven of those states still use coal to produce electricity and plan to continue to do so. Under the proposed plan, even if Maryland is able to reach its renewable wind and solar energy production targets, phase-down natural gas produced electricity and continue allowing the Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant to operate, Maryland will still import about 40% of its electricity. Would it perhaps be more climate friendly to allow the Maryland natural gas-fueled electric producing plants to continue to operate rather than import electricity from states using coal-fired plants and purchasing pollution credits? Coal-fired electric plant pollution will cross state lines.
2) There are a lot of references to limiting Marylanders' choices including the need to "reduce vehicle miles traveled"; need for "Smart Growth and zoning reform densification and upzoning programs targeting behavior change" to increase housing density and reduce commuting times; eliminate sale of gasoline-powered vehicles; require all-electric appliances in homes, etc.
In addition, below is the link to a video featuring Bonnie Brady Executive Director of the Center for Sustainable Fisheries discussing the impact of offshore windfarms on sea life and possibly on tides. Thanks to Carol Frazier for sharing. It is an hour-long video, but it very informative and thought provoking as Maryland moves along on wind energy particularly off-shore wind energy.
This is the time to learn the details and be prepared to voice your thoughts on how Maryland should proceed.
Sincerely,
Ella
Ella Ennis
Legislative Chairman
Maryland Federation of Republican Women