Governor Hogan’s Proposals Embrace a Bold Vision for Maryland’s Energy Future

Focus on Governor Hogan’s continued commitment to skilled environmental stewardship review of two bills new for the 2020 Maryland legislative session.

The Clean and Renewable Energy Standard (CARES) Will Deliver 100% Clean Electricity by 2040. This legislation—bolder than a proposal passed by the General Assembly last year—builds upon Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to provide a strategy for Maryland to achieve better environmental results through clean energy. It expands the eligibility of credits for clean energy resources to encourage competition and cost-effectiveness for the benefit of Maryland ratepayers. The plan also eliminates the eligibility of these credits and subsidies for controversial energy resources such as “black liquor” and the burning of municipal solid waste to create energy. (SB 265)

• CARES Is A Key Component of Maryland’s Strategy to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions By More Than 40% By 2030. This goal is substantially greater than the commitment to reduce emissions under the Paris Agreement.

The Clean Cars Act of 2020 Expands Governor Hogan’s Initiative to Promote the Use of Environmentally-Friendly Electric Vehicles. This legislation extends the Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment Rebate Program and the tax credit for the purchase of certain electric vehicles and repeals the limitation on the maximum total purchase price of certain vehicles. (SB 277)

Under Governor Hogan’s Leadership, Maryland Has Been A Leader In Skilled Environmental Stewardship

Governor Hogan Pushed For And Enacted The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Maryland Will Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 40% By 2030, Standards That Are Much Tougher Than The Paris Climate Accord. “The State shall reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2006 levels by 2030… On or before December 31, 2018, the Department shall: Submit a proposed plan that reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2006 levels by 2030 to the Governor and the General Assembly… The Department shall, on or before December 31, 2019, adopt a final plan that reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2006 levels by 2030.” (“Senate Bill 323,” Maryland General Assembly, 4/4/16)

• The Chesapeake Climate Action Network Stated That The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act Makes Maryland Have The Third Strongest Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target In The Nation. “Only California and New York have set higher climate goals, which were enshrined through executive action… The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2016 (HB 610/SB 323) renews and extends a landmark law first passed in 2009.” (Press Release, “MD Lawmakers Approve One Of The Nation’s Strongest Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals,” Chesapeake Climate Action Network, 3/17/16)

Under Governor Hogan’s Leadership Maryland Joined The Bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance. (Letter, Governor Larry Hogan To Executive Director Julie Cerqueira Re: U.S. Climate Alliance, Office Of The Governor, 1/10/18)

The Hogan Administration Worked With Member States To Strengthen The Terms Of The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. “Governor Larry Hogan announced today that Maryland and the eight other states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) have agreed to reduce the program’s carbon pollution cap by 30 percent from 2020 to 2030. This multi-state initiative will continue the Hogan administration’s longstanding commitment to improving air quality standards while growing Maryland’s economy.” (Press Release, “Maryland, RGGI States To Strengthen Emissions Cap,” Office Of The Governor, 8/23/17)