What are the policies? The cement industry in Maryland — the largest industrial emitter of greenhouse gases — has a voluntary goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Legislation was passed in 2023 to mitigate the environmental impacts of cement…
The electricity sector: transitioning to renewables
What are the policies? Maryland’s current climate plan includes two longstanding energy policies. One, called the Renewable Portfolio Standard, sets a goal to have just over half of the state’s electricity come from renewables by 2030. Maryland is also a…
Maryland struggles to meet ambitious climate goals
Maryland is halfway to its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2031, though progress has been at a standstill since 2020.
The construction sector: decarbonization and energy efficiency
What are the policies? The Climate Solutions Now Act called for large buildings to reduce emissions by 20% by 2030, and reach net zero by 2040. Since then, Maryland’s new Building Energy Performance Standards have faced pushback from building groups.…
The transportation sector: promoting EVs
What are the policies? Maryland is building its network of electric vehicle chargers. The state is aiming to dramatically increase the number of electric vehicles on the roads to 1.1 million by 2031. Legislation sets the goal for all new…
Farms, forests and land use
What are the state’s climate policies for farming, forestry and land use? Agricultural emissions comprised 4% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. Those emissions come from cattle, animal waste and fertilizer. Maryland has nutrient management regulations, and the…
The changing climate in Caroline County
The world is heating up, and so is Caroline County. Over a century of historical data show temperatures rising, and researchers predict a future with higher rates of extreme heat and precipitation, more warm nights and fewer days that dip…
The changing climate in Prince George’s County
An overview of climate change in Prince George’s County using over a century of historical data.
The changing climate in Washington County
An overview of climate change in Washington County using over a century of historical data.
The changing climate in Kent County
An overview of climate change in Kent County using over a century of historical data.