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Department of the Environment Reducing Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A State’s Perspective Renee Fizer, Climate Change Division-MDE.

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Presentation on theme: "Department of the Environment Reducing Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A State’s Perspective Renee Fizer, Climate Change Division-MDE."— Presentation transcript:

1 Department of the Environment Reducing Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A State’s Perspective Renee Fizer, Climate Change Division-MDE

2 Greenhouse Gases (GHG) The debate related to the science of global warming is now over Major concerns in MD: –Rise in coastal waters –Loss of aquatic life (impacts to oysters, rockfish and the bay ecosystem) –Potential for extreme weather conditions –More …

3 July 20, 2007 www.mdclimatechange.us 3 MD Projected Emissions - 1990-2020 DRAFT – PRELIMINARY DATA – FOR DISCUSSION ONLY

4 Examples of Maryland’s GHG Emission Reduction Programs Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Maryland Clean Cars Act EmPOWER Maryland Governor’s Executive Order – Maryland Commission on Climate Change

5 RGGI RGGI is a cooperative effort of New England and Mid-Atlantic states Establishes a cap-and- trade program focused on power plant emissions of greenhouse gases (CO 2 ) First CO 2 cap-and- trade program of its kind

6 Reductions from RGGI Program starts January 1, 2009 Applies to fossil fuel-fired electric generating units 25 megawatts and larger Involves a two-phase cap. Will stabilize MD emissions 2009- 2014 at 37.5 tons, then reduce emissions 10% by 2018 RGGI signatory states will conduct a comprehensive program review in 2012

7 Clean Cars (CAL LEV II) The Maryland Clean Cars Program will provide small but meaningful reductions of: –Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) –Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) –Air Toxics –These reductions will help Maryland meet federal ozone and fine particle standards The major new pollutant reduced is greenhouse gases –Approximate 30% additional reduction by 2016 Reduced operating costs will produce savings for MD consumers that are expected to offset slightly higher purchase cost.

8 Existing Energy Programs that Reduce GHG Emissions Maryland Strategic Electricity Plan EmPOWER MD High Performance Buildings Renewable Portfolio Standards Incentives for use of Renewable Energy Choices

9 Maryland Commission on Climate Change Establishes a climate change commission charged with addressing Maryland’s climate challenge on all fronts Three specific areas of concern: –Mitigation (MDE & MEA) –Adaptation (DNR & Planning) –Science and effects in Maryland (U of M & MDE) Interim Report at midpoint (Jan 08) Action Plan by Spring 2008

10 Science & Technical Working Group A Sub-tropical Bay?

11 Adaptation & Response Working Group Climate Change Adaptation & Response Planning Maryland’s Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise & Coastal Storms

12 12 Greenhouse Gas & Carbon Mitigation Working Group Gross GHG Emissions By Sector Year 2000 Data

13 Goals Set by Commission 2012 - 10% below 2006 levels (using a consumption based approach) –Used to drive early reductions and as a reduction target for the State Action Plan 2015 - 15% below 2006 levels –Used as a early reduction target for the State Action Plan 2020 - 25% to 50% below 2006 levels by 2020 –25% used as the “minimum” enforceable driver for proposed Global Warming Solutions legislation Programs to implement GWS will reward over-control –50% used as a science-based non-regulatory target for the 2020 time-frame Very aggressive target, but consistent with recommendations from the IPCC To be linked to implementation of broader regional effort or national program 2050 - 90% below 2006 levels –Used as a science based regulatory goal in GWS –Also a driver for research and development of climate neutral technology/ programs/ innovations Mid-Course Review every 4 years

14 MMTCO2e Reminder: How to do we get to our 2020 Goals? – Hypothetical Example Reduction Goal: >25% by 2020 = very close to 1990 emissions by 2020 Energy Supply Programs (ex: RGGI) Transportation and Land Use Programs (ex: Calev) Residential Commercial Industrial Programs (ex: Light Bulbs) Agriculture Forestry and Waste Programs (ex: Tree Programs) For Demonstration Purposes Only

15 Interim Report - Jan ‘08 Early Action Items: Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 - California AB-32 like program focusing on economy wide GHG reductions Energy Efficiency (performance standards, energy investment fund, building codes, lighting efficiency, etc.) Renewable Portfolio Standard amendments– require higher % of renewable energy in Maryland Located at www.mde.state.md.us or www.mdclimatechange.uswww.mde.state.md.us www.mdclimatechange.us

16 Commission Spring Report Development & Analyses of over 70 policy options Data is very preliminary Some estimates are still being revised Tons needed to achieve a 25% to 50% reduction from 2006 levels by 2020 - 50 to 77 tons per year reduction Very rough estimate of cumulative total reductions from 70 policy options by 2020 - 60 to 75 tons per year reduction Final Climate Action Plan due in Spring of 2008

17 Questions? Renee Fizer, CCD-MDE rfizer@mde.state.md.us 410-537-4219


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