Consumer, public health groups celebrate clean air, healthy climate legislation going into law

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Friday that he would not veto the Climate Solutions Now Act (SB528), which had passed the General Assembly last week. Based largely on recommendations from the Hogan administration’s Climate Commission, the legislation would improve on the state’s current climate goals, setting a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% for 2031, and a net zero goal for 2045. 

In addition, the bill would help transition state government fleets and school buses to electric technology, require large buildings to reduce emissions and establish a task force to examine how to cut fossil fuel use in new and existing buildings.

In response, Maryland PIRG Director Emily Scarr released the following statement:

“The Climate Solutions Now Act will ensure cleaner air and a healthier climate for Maryland’s future. Burning fossil fuels to produce energy pollutes our air, harms our health and contributes to global warming. By putting this commonsense reform into law, the governor and legislature are putting the health of Maryland’s families before the interests of the oil and gas industries. Reducing emissions from buildings and transportation is critical for public health and safety. Maryland’s leaders would be wise to take further action to protect consumers and the environment by stopping new fossil fuel investments.”

Jody Gan, the president of the Maryland Public Health Association, said:

“Fossil fuel pollution is an urgent public health threat and affects every aspect of our lives. We applaud the General Assembly and Governor Hogan for making the Climate Solutions Now Act law so all Marylanders can breathe easier.”

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