Maryland prepares for climate action amid federal uncertainties
With Trump’s return to the White House, Maryland’s Democratic leaders are bracing to push climate initiatives forward, even without federal support.
Aman Azhar reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Maryland’s Democratic leadership aims to keep state climate policies moving despite potential federal rollbacks on environmental funding under a Trump administration.
- Gov. Wes Moore has prepared for this possibility, initiating strategies since February to safeguard Maryland’s clean energy goals, including resilience in state-funded climate projects.
- Experts warn that some federal grants could be at risk, but the state may retain funding already allocated under acts like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Key quote:
“Governors are sort of the front line of the defense strategy. They are in a position to mobilize the business community, mobilize constituencies that are actually working on clean energy projects, to speak out in terms of what these historic investments are actually delivering for communities.”
— Justin Balik, senior state program director at Evergreen Action
Why this matters:
Maryland’s proactive climate measures could provide a model for other states amid federal resistance to environmental regulations. Maintaining momentum at the state level is essential as climate action faces new challenges from national policies poised to shift dramatically.
Related: State climate plans could face major changes if Trump returns to the White House
