ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore today signed an executive order advancing Maryland's Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. This comprehensive order, one of the most ambitious on climate change issued by a Maryland governor, directs a whole-of-government approach to address climate change. It requires state agencies to submit a Climate Implementation Plan by November 1, proposes new emissions standards, and establishes the Governor's Subcabinet on Climate.
"Climate action is about more than avoiding disaster. It's about growing opportunity, and that's what today is about," said Governor Moore. "The climate crisis didn't start overnight. It will take time and decisive action for us to tackle it. But we can—and we will—win this moment. We will win because we work together, we will win because we tackle our goals with action, and we will win because we leave no one behind."
In December 2023, the Maryland Department of the Environment released Maryland's Climate Pollution Reduction Plan to support the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. This act mandates Maryland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% below 2006 levels by 2031 and achieve net zero emissions by 2045. The Climate Pollution Reduction Plan estimates new climate policies will yield up to $1.2 billion in public health benefits, a $2.5 billion increase in personal income for Marylanders, and a net gain of 27,400 jobs by 2031.
Under the executive order, all state agencies must consult the Maryland Department of the Environment to submit a Climate Implementation Plan to the governor by November 1. This report must include steps and timelines for implementing required actions within each agency's scope. Agencies are also required to consider Justice40 goals to advance environmental justice comprehensively.
The order also directs the Maryland Department of the Environment to propose a zero-emission heating equipment standard regulation and a clean heat standard regulation. Additionally, it mandates collaboration with Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states to set a new regional cap for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, aligning with Maryland and partner states' 100% clean energy goals.
"It's no secret that we face significant challenges from climate change," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. "Hotter summers, severe weather, flooding, increased asthma cases—especially among children in disadvantaged communities—all underscore the urgent need for action. This Executive Order is not just a call for action, but a vision for a brighter tomorrow."
The order also calls for the Maryland Energy Administration to establish a framework for a clean energy standard to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035 and directs the Maryland Department of Transportation to promote clean transportation initiatives.
The Governor's Subcabinet on Climate, chaired by Secretary McIlwain and vice-chaired by Chief Sustainability Officer Meghan Conklin, will drive a unified state government approach to implement Maryland's Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. The subcabinet must report on Maryland's progress by December 1 and annually thereafter.
Governor Moore signed the executive order following a student climate change discussion panel at Henderson-Hopkins School in Baltimore. This school participates in the Maryland Community Solar program Solar4Us, which, through solar panels on the school's roof, will provide an estimated 150 families with discounted electricity bills, saving at least $1.1 million over the system's lifetime.
"This Executive Order is the most comprehensive EO on climate change ever issued by a Maryland governor," said Maryland League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Kim Coble. "Maryland LCV applauds the Moore Administration for leading through actions and prioritizing equity as Maryland tackles the impacts of climate change."
"It is so fitting that Governor Moore is signing his executive order at Henderson Hopkins. We have students who have participated in a climate summit, deeply care about these issues, and just advised the governor on what matters most to them," said Henderson-Hopkins School Principal Peter Kannam. "Additionally, Henderson Hopkins has partnered with Climate Access Fund to have our roof dedicated to solar power for the community."
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