Author(s): Kayle Krieg; Lee Curry; Peter Goodwin

Linked Author(s): Peter Goodwin

Keywords: Climate Change; Maryland; Policy; Utilities

Abstract: In 2022, the State of Maryland passed legislation that established the most ambitious goals in the US for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The Climate Solutions Now Act and complementary bills set a goal of 60% reduction in gross greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2031 and net zero by 2045. These goals must be achieved in a manner that results in no net loss of jobs and achieved in a just and equitable manner with particular attention to vulnerable and underserved communities. Significant progress has been made since 2006 in reducing GHG and implementing adaptation strategies but these efforts must now be accelerated dramatically over the next decade. The paper will summarize the monitoring, methodology and planning modeling being deployed to track the progress toward these legally mandated goals. Globally, water utilities emit approximately the same volume of greenhouse gas emissions as the world's shipping industry, and with growing demand for services, these systems are in an exceptional position to play a key role in achieving net-zero targets. Strategies to optimize utility operations and preliminary estimates of the expected reductions will be presented. In addition, examples of landscape-scale actions being implemented that have the potential to reduce emissions, sequester carbon while achieving other objectives such as increasing infrastructure resilience or enhancing ecosystem services.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p1075-cd

Year: 2023