Maryland
Governor
Wes Moore (Democrat)
House Party
Democratic Supermajority
Senate Party
Democratic Supermajority
48
20
Southeast
Progress by Policy Area
- Enacted Enacted policies have been passed or established in a state by a governing body via legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, and/or other program creation, and remain in effect.
- In-progress In progress policies have been established in a state, but final regulations, rules, or plans are pending final approval. This also includes legislation and executive orders that require regulations to be put into effect.
- Partially Enacted Partially enacted policies have been enacted in the state, but are missing one or more policy components. Dashboard policies cannot be considered partially enacted unless policy components are available.
- Not Enacted Not enacted policies have not been passed or established in the state or are no longer in effect.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Maryland
Climate Policies in Maryland
| Status | Policy | Policy Area | Policy Category | Year Enacted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enacted |
Empty column
60% by 2031 | Net-zero by 2045 Relative to 2006 levels Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Climate Governance | 2022 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan Pursuant to the Climate Solutions Now Act and EO 01.01.2024.19, 26 state agencies are required to develop "Climate Implementation Plans" (CIPs) outlining steps the agency will take to implement the CSNA and Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. The Maryland Climate Change Subcabinet is required to submit an annual report detailing the progress of implementing the Plan and agency CIPs, starting December 1, 2024. Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Climate Governance | 2023 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
The 2006-2020 Greenhouse Gas Inventory was published in September 2022. The Department of the Environment must prepare and publish an updated inventory of statewide greenhouse gas emissions on a three-year cycle. Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Climate Governance | 2022 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
Climate Change Subcabinet Chief Sustainability Officer Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Climate Governance | 2024 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
Maryland Commission on Climate Change Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Climate Governance | 2015 | |
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
An Environmental Rights Amendment is an amendment to a state constitution guaranteeing the citizens of that state a right to a clean and healthy environment. The right to a clean and healthy environment can help to address climate change and provide a key tool to regulate greenhouse gases and achieve environmental justice goals. |
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Climate Governance | ||
| Enacted |
Empty column
"Overburdened communities" are the 25% highest scoring census tracts (75th percentile or higher) in 3 or more of 21 environmental health indicators, related to pollution exposure, proximity to environmental hazards, and health outcomes. "Underserved communities" are census tracts where at least 25% of residents are low-income, 50% are nonwhite, or 15% have limited English proficiency Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Environmental Justice and Equity | 2022 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
Maryland EnviroScreen MD Climate and Health Equity Mapper Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Environmental Justice and Equity | 2025 | |
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 (SB 528) requires that the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) report annually on the amount of state spending directed towards GHG emission reductions, and on the amount of this spending that is directed towards disproportionately affected communities. Disproportionately impacted communities are identified as communities that are overburdened, underserved, and face high climate exposure. MDE and other agencies do not have a set percentage target to direct towards disproportionately impacted communities, however. Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Environmental Justice and Equity | ||
| Enacted |
Empty column
The Interagency Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Council is made up of state agencies to facilitate interagency collaboration on programs and activities related to environmental justice. Each member agency must designate an Environmental Justice Officer to lead agency planning and implementation of the agency's Environmental Justice Strategic Plan. MDE – EJ Coordinator The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 also requires MDE to provide staff for the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities. EO 01.01.2025.17 requires MDE to staff the Interagency Council. Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Environmental Justice and Equity | 2025 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Environmental Justice and Equity | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Cumulative impact assessments determine the health and environmental impacts of renewing or granting a permit for certain pollution-generating facilities in environmental justice communities. Increased pollution burdens in communities may result in the permit application being denied. |
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Environmental Justice and Equity | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Just transition plans are documents that outline policies and recommendations aimed at supporting communities, workers, and industries affected by the transition away from fossil fuels. The plans often focus on workforce development and retraining, job creation, and economic diversification. |
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Just Transition | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Just transition offices and staff assist workers and communities transitioning away from fossil fuel extraction and use, typically through retraining programs and support with relocation and economic diversification. Offices and staff also coordinate with other state agencies to effectively design policy to achieve a just transition. |
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Just Transition | ||
| Enacted |
Empty column
Just Transition Employment and Retraining Working Group Establishing Policies
|
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Just Transition | 2022 | |
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
Just transition funds support initiatives and investments aimed at facilitating the equitable transition of workers and communities affected by shifts in industries or policies that transition from fossil fuels. |
Climate Governance and Equity
|
Just Transition |