Maryland Behind On Emissions Goals

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — New research and state climate reporting show Maryland is farther behind than expected in meeting legally mandated greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, complicating efforts to reach one of the nation’s more ambitious climate goals.

Under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, Maryland is legally required to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 60% below 2006 levels by 2031 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Current state models and independent analysis indicate that existing state and federal policies will reduce emissions about 42% by 2031 — well short of the statutory target.

The latest modeling and emissions inventory data were presented to the Maryland Commission on Climate Change at the end of January. Researchers from the University of Maryland’s Center for Global Sustainability said the state’s progress toward the 60% target has stalled relative to earlier projections, with transportation emissions proving especially difficult to reduce as federal vehicle electrification standards have been rolled back.

The Maryland Commission on Climate Change’s 2025 annual report also highlighted that while the state continues to implement climate actions across sectors, policy uncertainties and incomplete adoption of planned measures leave key goals out of reach without additional interventions. The report urged broader action across state agencies, local governments and industry in the coming years.

Analyses also point to emerging challenges, including increasing emissions from data centers and backup power generators not fully accounted for under existing policy frameworks, suggesting additional regulatory work may be required to curb future climate pollution.

State officials maintain that Maryland has made progress in cutting climate pollution and that there are still several years to adjust strategies and adopt new measures to help meet statutory targets. Detailed implementation plans through the Maryland Department of the Environment and other agencies continue to evolve as policymakers and stakeholders engage on the next phase of climate action.