Ricky Junquera, ricky.junquera@sierraclub.org
MARYLAND - This evening, the Maryland State Senate passed a climate solutions bill that will cut carbon pollution by 60% by 2030, and begin to reduce pollution from buildings and homes by shifting away from using fossil fuels for heating. Next, this bill must be passed in the House.
Over 50 public health, environmental, faith, labor, and economic justice organizations have come together under the umbrella of Climate Partners to advocate for strong climate legislation in Maryland. SB528 was sponsored by Senator Paul Pinsky. A parallel suite of bills was introduced in the House of Delegates by Delegates Kumar Barve, Dana Stein, and David Fraser Hidalgo.
In response, Josh Tulkin, Director of Sierra Club's Maryland Chapter, released the following statement:
“We commend the Senate, especially the sponsor Paul Pinsky and President Bill Ferguson, for passing this bill to make Maryland a leader in fighting climate change. Importantly, in addition to reducing Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions, the bill will benefit the health of Maryland residents, especially our state’s low-income and minority residents, by reducing air pollution. The bill will begin to reduce pollution from buildings and shift us away from using fossil fuels to heat our homes. It commits to retrofitting low-income households to ensure that all Marylanders benefit as we move to cleaner, greener options.
“In order to reach the ambitious climate goals set out in the bill, Maryland must continue to build out its climate plans. All-new large buildings should be electric, especially public buildings and schools, so as to model leadership for our state. The General Assembly also should pass the bill to adopt the Advanced Clean Truck Rule to begin to transition large diesel trucks to electric. The Maryland Sierra Club will now work to pass the Climate Solutions Now Act in the House, along with other critical climate bills needed to move Maryland forward.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.