Executive Order 01.01.2024.19 - Leadership by State Government: Implementing Maryland's Climate Pollution Reduction Plan

Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to advance Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. The order— one of the most comprehensive on climate change issued by a Maryland governor— directs a whole-of-government approach to address climate change, including requiring agencies to submit a Climate Implementation Plan by Nov. 1, action to propose new emissions standards, and the creation of the Governor’s Subcabinet on Climate.

The order directs the Maryland Energy Administration to establish a framework for a clean energy standard to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2035 and directs the state to work with Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states to establish a new regional cap for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants that aligns with Maryland and partner states’ 100 percent clean energy goals.

In accordance with the order, all State agencies are required to consult the Maryland Department of the Environment to submit a Climate Implementation Plan to the governor by November 1. The report must include steps and a timeline for implementation for all required actions within each agency’s purview. Agencies are also required to consider Justice40 goals, initiatives, and funding to more comprehensively advance environmental justice.

The executive order also directs the Maryland Department of the Environment to take immediate action on climate change by proposing a zero-emission heating equipment standard regulation and a clean heat standard regulation, in addition to working with Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states to establish a new regional cap for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants that align with Maryland and partner states’ 100% clean energy goals. 

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 undertake several measures to promote clean transportation.

As noted in EO 01.01.2024.19, the Maryland Department of Transportation shall develop and implement a process for evaluating and reducing greenhouse gas emissions attributable to transportation projects as part of the Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program.

Executive Order 01.01.2024.19 - Leadership by State Government: Implementing Maryland's Climate Pollution Reduction Plan

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