Today I listened to debate on HB315 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2009. This bill calls on the Department of Environment to publish and update an inventory of statewide greenhouse gas emissions for calendar year 2006. A Task Force will be established to submit a proposed plan to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 20011 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from the 2006 levels by 2020. A further goal is reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 2006 levels by 2050.
The goal is to reduce these emissions with no loss of jobs, no loss of industry, and be mindful of the impact of this goal on various regions in Maryland. This is no small task. The legislation passed the House with a vote of 107-31.