The Climate Change Program develops and implements plans and policies to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions. The Program also provides staff support to the Maryland Commission on Climate Change and oversees Maryland’s participation in the United States Climate Alliance. We strive to achieve the goals of the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, including achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions statewide by 2045.
Our program is made up of,
The technical division. This division puts together the state’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory, a database of all of Maryland’s emissions from all eight sectors. Conducted every three years, the inventory is a snapshot on our progress and guides policy decisions that set Maryland as a national climate leader. The technical division also provides analytical and editorial support to all parts of the program.
The policy division. Implementing the Plan requires greenhouse gas emissions reductions in every part of the state, from the coastal plains to the Appalachians. We write policies that help create opportunities for each Marylander – policies that will transition the state towards a clean energy future.
The building decarbonization division. Buildings directly emit 16% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland plus consume the majority of the state’s electricity. It’s this division’s job to create regulations that advance next-generation buildings while moving towards healthier air. From clean heat to efficient cooling, these policies improve the everyday lives of Marylanders.
Federal funding. This group manages a special type of federal funding called Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG). Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, CPRG provides billions in grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution.
