For Immediate Release: June 4, 2024
Media Contact: Lesley Paredes, lesley.paredes-hernandez@sierraclub.org, (240) 424-0976
Maryland Sierra Club Applauds Governor’s Executive Order to Propel Clean Energy and Clean Transportation in Maryland
The Executive Order includes directives for state agencies to align with Maryland’s climate goals including a zero-emission heating equipment standard regulation and a clean heat standard regulation.
Baltimore, MD – Governor Moore issued an executive order initiating several important actions to jumpstart and coordinate climate action in Maryland, putting Maryland one step closer to achieving the ambitious goals set in the Climate Solutions Now Act. Environmental advocates, students, and stakeholders gathered in Baltimore for the much awaited climate executive order by Governor Wes Moore that would require state agencies to integrate significant components of the state’s climate pollution reduction plan into their annual planning.
The executive order signed today by Governor Wes Moore will jumpstart major components of the Climate Pollution Reduction Plan using a whole-of-government approach and includes the following:
- Require state agencies to consult with the Maryland Department of Environment and submit a Climate Implementation Plan to ensure the state is on track to meet clean energy goals.
- Require state agencies to prioritize climate equity and environmental justice by addressing the impacts of climate change in overburdened communities.
- Instruct the Maryland Department of the Environment to propose zero-emission heating equipment standard regulation and a clean heat standard regulation; and
- Instruct the Maryland Department of Transportation to establish specific annual greenhouse gas and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets for the transportation sector.
In response to the Executive Order announced on Tuesday, Maryland Sierra Club Chapter Director Josh Tulkin has released the following statement:
We are at a critical point in the climate crisis that requires unwavering leadership and action. Today, we applaud Governor Moore for taking a major step forward in putting the Maryland Climate Pollution Reduction Plan into action and securing Maryland’s role as a national climate leader. The Executive Order creates a framework that will be crucial to keeping us on target for emissions reduction and 100% clean energy by 2035.
Notably the Executive order calls on the Maryland Department of the Environment to propose a zero-emission heating equipment standard regulation that will improve the quality of life for all Marylanders. By reducing the emissions from buildings, one the largest sources of pollution in Maryland, we are creating healthier and more energy efficient homes. We are eager to work with the Governor and Administration to continue paving the way for our state to meet all of its climate goals.
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