Governor Wes Moore of Maryland is taking a firm stance against climate change. He has recently signed an executive order which obligates state agencies to devise a comprehensive plan to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As per this order, each agency is expected to submit a detailed report by November 1, outlining their strategies to aid Maryland in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 60% of 2006 levels by the year 2031.
This executive order has set ambitious and daunting goals for Maryland. The state is expected to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035 and aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. The Maryland Department of the Environment is tasked with proposing policies to decrease emissions from buildings. Additionally, it will lead a newly established climate change subcabinet.
Governor Moore has also emphasized the importance of environmental justice in his address. According to him, “Climate justice is economic justice, if you’re doing it right, and we are going to craft policies that actually reflects that mindset.” He has clearly stated that Maryland’s environmental policies will be designed with this perspective in mind.
In a move towards sustainable energy, the Henderson-Hopkins school in East Baltimore is set to become Maryland’s first community solar energy bank. This will provide affordable solar power to 175 low-income families, further promoting the use of clean energy and reducing dependence on conventional sources of power.
The executive order further mandates the state department of the environment to annually review these climate action plans. The department is also responsible for forming a climate-focused subcabinet and proposing new policies to reduce building emissions.
Despite these significant efforts, some protesters are calling for more action. They applaud Governor Moore’s initiatives but demand additional measures, particularly targeting environmental justice issues. These issues include the state’s trash incinerators and the CSX Coal Terminal in South Baltimore, which have been a source of environmental concern for years.
Maryland under Governor Wes Moore’s leadership is striving to fight climate change through a series of planned and strategic measures. While the journey towards achieving these ambitious goals has just begun, the state is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting clean energy, and achieving environmental justice.
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