Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 309

Bill Title: Global Warming Solutions - Reductions in Greenhouse Gases

Bill Sponsor(s): Senators Pinsky, et al.

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: EHE

Bill Summary: Authorizing specified moneys to be paid into, and expanding the permissible uses of, the Maryland Clean Air Fund; requiring the Department of the Environment to adopt regulations to require specified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by specified years; requiring the Department to publish specified lists of greenhouse gas reduction measures and a final plan, and to adopt regulations in order to implement these measures; creating the Office of Climate Change within the Department and specifying its duties; etc.

History: SB 409-07/HB 890 were introduced last year, but did not receive movment.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: In 2004 and more recently during the 2007 Session, the General Assembly passed the Renewable Portfolio Standard and the Healthy Air Act respectively, and as a result Maryland will soon become a Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative member later this year. Greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions cannot be filtered or scrubbed from the air as can be accomplished for other types of air pollution. Addressing reductions means becoming more efficient in energy use, changing fuels, or using more non-emitting technologies. Maryland’s man-made GHG emissions comprise approximately 1.5% of the United States’ emissions and a very small percentage of the world’s total emissions. Since GHG emissions disperse globally and Maryland’s emissions are a very small percentage of the total global problem, this issue needs to be addressed on a national level in concert with international efforts.

It is impossible for a small state, such as Maryland to achieve a reduction goal as large as the 25% by 2020, and 90% by 2050 (the strongest mandate in the country). This legislation is counterproductinve, and would make it extremely difficult for businesses to survive. It is probable that if enacted this legislation would force businesses out of Maryland, and possibly out of the United States, which would place an even bigger burden on the state and federal economies, respectfully.

Maryland should, therefore, carefully study the GHG issue to make sure that addressing this issue on a State only basis is possible and to determine the impact such an effort would have on the State's economy. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposes this legislation.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.