Maryland sets carbon reduction target
Maryland released its new goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 25% below 2006 levels by 2020.
Already a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cap-and-trade market comprised of nine northeastern states, Governor Martin O’Malley announced plans to go beyond the RGGI’s target to cut emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020.
As one of the largest emitters in the RGGI, Maryland’s initiative may spur other member states to extend their reduction targets as well.
Gov. O’Malley’s plan focuses on the state’s energy sector which is responsible for the majority its carbon emissions.
Several different plans have been outlined which will improve the efficiency of existing electric generation facilities and incorporate the newest technologies as well.
While opponents of carbon regulations often point to job loss as a side effect of increase regulation, the Governor’s plan will provide nearly 40,000 new jobs in the clean tech sector.
(7/24/13)