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Reducing Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A State’s Perspective

Reducing Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A State’s Perspective. Renee Fizer, Climate Change Division-MDE. Greenhouse Gases (GHG). The debate related to the science of global warming is now over Major concerns in MD: Rise in coastal waters

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Reducing Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A State’s Perspective

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

  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 (CO2) • First CO2 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. Greenhouse Gas & Carbon Mitigation Working GroupGross GHG Emissions By Sector Year 2000 Data 12

  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. 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) Reminder: How to do we get to our 2020 Goals? – Hypothetical Example MMTCO2e 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.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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