Major climate bill passes in Maryland House, Senate

Members of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV) are calling the passage of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act out of the Maryland General Assembly a step in the right direction when it comes to battling climate change.

The LCV reports that the House and Senate passed identical versions of the bill, with a vote of 100-37, which means it will now be sent to the Governor Larry Hogan’s desk for signature.

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act renews and expands 2009 legislation and had broad support from both Democrats and Republicans, and according to the LCV, will expand the goals from 25% reduction of greenhouse gases from peak 2006 levels by the year 2020 to 40% by the year 2030.

According to the LCV, due to its downwind location to other states, Maryland has some of the worst air quality on the East Coast, and is the third most vulnerable state in America to sea-level rise driven by climate change with over 7,000 miles of coastline statewide.

“This bill is an important step forward and reflects what we all know; Maryland voters want action on climate.” said Maryland LCV Executive Director, Karla Raettig.