FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Ricky Junquera, ricky.junquera@sierraclub.org
BREAKING NEWS: Maryland State House Passes Climate Solutions Now Act
The Act would cut carbon pollution in Maryland by 60% by 2031.
MARYLAND - Today the Maryland House of Delegates passed the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2002 that will cut carbon pollution by 60% by 2031 and begin to reduce pollution from buildings and homes by shifting away from using fossil fuels for heating.
In response, Josh Tulkin, Director of Sierra Club's Maryland Chapter, released the following statement:
"The Climate Solutions Now Act passed another milestone today, passing out of the Maryland House of Delegates by a vote of 95-42. It now moves back to the Senate for the final step.
Maryland has been a pioneer in clean energy and climate policy, but has fallen behind in recent years. This Act establishes Maryland again as a leader, not just in reducing greenhouse gasses, but in centering low-income communities and communities of color in our climate policies.
Climate solutions are good for our economy and our wallets. The gas industry is trying to get more Marylanders hooked on fossil fuels, even as the cost of gas and home heating is skyrocketing. This is a critical time for Maryland to invest in a clean energy future, to help Marylanders reduce their reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooking.
Climate solutions are public health solutions. When the state fleet moves to electric vehicles, that doesn't just reduce carbon dioxide. It reduces smog and particulates. The same is true when we reduce the burning of fossil fuels in our buildings and homes.
We are grateful to the General Assembly, especially Senator Paul Pinsky, Delegates Kumar Barve, C.T. Wilson, and Dana Stein, Senate President Bill Ferguson, and House Speaker Andrienne Jones for passing this bill to make Maryland a leader in fighting climate change.
As amended in the House, the bill sets a strong goal of 60% reduction in our greenhouse gas pollution by 2031. But setting the goal is just the start. The General Assembly will also have to pass the policies to achieve this goal. We see this as a commitment, a downpayment, on the policies to come. We are committed to helping them get there."