Reviewing New Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s Environmental Policy Promises

Wes_Moore_Governor

Recently elected Maryland governor Wes Moore has already made notable history, being the first African American Governor of Maryland. Moore ran on a progressive platform, highlighting issues such as education, health care, social justice, and public safety. Moore also included a suite of ambitious climate proposals in his campaign promises. Here, I will review some of Wes Moore’s environmental policy promises, and what progress has been made so far.

 

First, identifying some notable campaign promises regarding Environmental Policy

  1. Ensure Maryland generates 100% clean energy by 2035.
  2. Achieve 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2045.
  3. Expand solar, wind and battery storage in Maryland.
  4. Incentivize the electrification of personal and public vehicles.
  5. Prioritizing equity, labor, and justice in environmental policy.
  6. Promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices.
  7. Mitigate effects of sea level rise.
  8. Reduce air pollution to improve health outcomes.
  9. Preserving the Chesapeake Bay and Inner Harbor Waterways.
  10. Investment in wastewater management and water treatment systems.

 

These promises have encouraged conservation groups that important environmental issues will be a focus of this new administration.

 

Now, just 2 months into his tenure as Governor, what actions has Moore taken to make good on these campaign promises? By most measures, the new administration is doing well. Since inauguration, Moore has announced Maryland joining the US Climate Alliance, with a $422 million investment into environmental programs, along with 67 new hires for the Maryland Department of the Environment. Additionally, Moore has pledged to phase out gas-powered car sales by 2035. Looking forward, local environmentalists will be keeping track of the Moore administration to see how environmental policy will be handled over the next 4 years.

 

 

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