MD Senate passes GHG reduction bill

Senate Bill 278, also known as the "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2009" passed its third reading on 3/2 and is now being read in the House "Economic Matters & Environmental Matters" committee. The synopsis of the bill:

Requiring the Department of the Environment to publish and update an inventory of statewide greenhouse gas emissions for calendar year 2006; requiring the State to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from 2006 levels by 2020; requiring the State to develop and adopt a specified plan, adopt specified regulations, and implement specified programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; altering specified requirements; providing for the termination of a specified provision of the Act; etc.

Specifics:

• Would have the General Assembly find that Greenhouse Gases "are air pollutants that threaten to endanger the public health and welfare of the people of Maryland." This is key to regulating these gases under the Clean Air Act, so there is at least one secondary motive.
• Requires a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for 2006 and would attempt to reduce greenhouse gases from 2006 levels 25% by 2020 and up to 90% reductions by 2050. It also recommends but does not require 10% by 2012 and 15% by 2015.
• Endorses "clean energy" sources including wind, solar, geothermal, and bioenergy.
• Acknowledges that a cap on greenhouse gas emissions is most effective at the federal level and exempts the manufacturing, freight carrying, and electricity generation sectors due to the potential for competitive losses between states. Manufacturing has an incredibly broad definition that includes things like feed mills, clerical activities, and service activities. Manufacturing is not exempt, however, from the requirements of other laws like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or any reporting requirements.
• Addresses leakage, where reductions of greenhouse gases within the state would cause increases in another state.
• Credits source reductions enacted prior to the writing of the plan and provides for "early action credits".
• Allows offsets including carbon sequestration (if and when it exists)
• Requires a net economic benefit to the state
• Encourages new employment through green jobs
• Requires the inventory be conducted by an institution of higher learning
• Creates a task force.