Maryland Climate Commission Calls for Urgent Action Amid Budgetary Pressures In the face of mounting climate change challenges and tight state budgets, the Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC) has issued a bold set of recommendations to help the Old Line State meet its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals. The MCCC's 2025 Annual Report, released on December 23rd, outlines a comprehensive strategy to not only slash emissions, but also prepare Maryland's communities for the growing impacts of a warming world. This comes as the state grapples with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put significant strain on its fiscal resources. "Climate change is an urgent threat that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, even when budgets are tight," said Commission Chair Donald Boesch. "Our recommendations provide a roadmap for Maryland to stay on track with its climate commitments while also building resilience across our state." Maryland has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2006 levels by 2030 – one of the most aggressive targets in the nation. The MCCC's latest report lays out a series of policy proposals and implementation strategies to help the state achieve this goal, while also preparing for the inevitable impacts of a changing climate. One key recommendation is to accelerate the transition to clean energy, including a proposal to increase the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 50% by 2030. This would compel utilities to source half of Maryland's electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind within the next decade. "Ramping up our renewable energy production is critical, both for cutting emissions and creating new economic opportunities," said Boesch. "We've seen how renewable energy can be a key driver of job growth, and that's especially important as we work to recover from the pandemic's economic fallout." The report also calls for greater investment in energy efficiency programs, electric vehicle infrastructure, and climate-resilient infrastructure – all of which will require significant state funding. This comes at a time when Maryland, like many other states, is facing budget shortfalls due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. "The pandemic has created immense fiscal challenges, but we can't let that derail our climate action efforts," said BMaryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles. "We need to be creative and find ways to leverage federal, state, and private resources to make these critical investments." One potential solution highlighted in the report is the establishment of a "Green Bank" – a public-private financing mechanism that could help mobilize capital for clean energy and resilience projects. Green Banks have been successfully deployed in several other states, and the MCCC believes a similar model could work in Maryland. Beyond mitigation, the report also emphasizes the importance of adaptation and resilience-building. It recommends that the state develop a comprehensive climate resilience plan, invest in nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, and provide greater support to vulnerable communities. "We're already seeing the impacts of climate change in Maryland, from increased flooding to more extreme heat waves," said Boesch. "We have to prepare our communities for these growing risks, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable populations." The MCCC's recommendations come at a crucial time, as the Biden administration has made climate change a top priority and is poised to provide significant federal resources and support. Maryland's leaders will need to work quickly to align the state's policies and investments with this new national agenda. "The stars are aligning for bold climate action in Maryland," said Grumbles. "With the right strategies and the right partnerships, we can position our state as a national leader in the transition to a clean, resilient, and sustainable future." As the state grapples with the ongoing pandemic and its economic fallout, the MCCC's call for urgent climate action serves as a stark reminder that the challenges of today cannot overshadow the existential threat of tomorrow. Maryland's leaders will need to find creative ways to make the necessary investments, or risk falling behind in the race to build a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.