"The Maryland Senate voted Friday to ramp up Maryland’s efforts to fight climate change over the next decade, passing a sweeping bill that calls for a massive tree planting campaign along with more electric vehicles, rooftop solar panels and energy efficient buildings.

By a vote of 36 to 11, senators approved the Climate Solutions Now Act, which would commit the state to curtailing climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions 60% below 2006 levels by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.  The state’s current goal, set by lawmakers five years ago, is for a 40% emission reduction by tend of this decade.

“The devastating impacts of climate change become more apparent each day,” said the bill’s lead sponsor, Democratic Sen. Paul Pinsky of Prince George’s County. “Today’s action places Maryland in the forefront of state action.”"

Timothy B. Wheeler reports for the Bay Journal March 15, 2021. [2]