The Maryland Priority Climate Action Plan​ was developed to meet the requirements of the CPRG Planning Grant and is based on the following foundational inputs:

• Maryland's Climate Pollution Reduction Plan​ (December 2023) to achieve 60% GHG emissions reductions by 2031 and attain "net zero" by 2045 (goals set by the General Assembly). The statewide and economy-wide plan provides the analytical and policy framework to structure Maryland's Priority Climate Action Plan.
• Existing statewide GHG inventories​
• Maryland Climate Pathway Report​ (June 2023)
• Stakeholder feedback on the Maryland Climate Pathway Report
• Prior statewide climate action plans

The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan is currently under development and is due to the EPA in December 2025. This Plan will integrate the Maryland Priority Climate Action Plan, Maryland’s GHG Emissions Reduction Plan (2023), in addition to county, local, and community feedback with a focus on economy-wide GHG emission reduction projects. The Maryland Department of the Environment will update and build upon the following required elements:

• GHG Inventory
• GHG Emissions Projections
• GHG Reduction Targets
• Quantified GHG Reduction Measures
• Full Benefits Analysis
• Low-income and Disadvantaged Communities Benefits Analysis
• Review of Authority to Implement
• Other Funding Available
• Workforce Planning Analysis​

For the counties not covered by a CPRG Metropolitan Statistical Areas Planning Grant, the Maryland Department of the Environment will provide assistance through the Maryland Local Government Climate Action Support Program. This program complements the CPRG Planning Grant to ensure the Maryland Department of the Environment continues its commitment of leaving no one behind. Three primary objectives of this program are:

• Help local governments in Maryland identify high priority greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects with important social, ecological, and economic co-benefits.
• Align efforts within Maryland to maximize the best possible outcomes in reducing harmful pollution and climate change.
• Build capacity across all of Maryland for project planning, design, financing, implementation, and tracking to help meet the State’s ambitious climate action goals.

To bolster support, the Maryland Department of the Environment is pleased to have the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center (EFC) contracted to provide a wide range of hands-on support. EFC services range from project facilitation, education and training, community outreach and engagement, and direct technical assistance to navigate the resources, tools, and financing mechanisms available.

The Maryland Local Government Climate Action Support Program is available for the following counties and their municipalities that are not covered by a CPRG Metropolitan Statistical Areas Planning Grant:

• Western Maryland (Garrett, Allegany, Washington counties)
• Southern Maryland (Calvert, St. Mary’s counties)
• Eastern Shore (Kent, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester counties)

If you are located in one of these counties, please fill out this form to request assistance from the local support program.