The Governor signed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), in which Maryland became the 10th state to join the Northeast regional climate change and energy efficiency program.

“I am proud that Maryland is joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which will protect and preserve our communities for future generations,” said Governor O’Malley. “The fight to prevent global warming crosses state lines, and Maryland is proud to join its neighbors in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while protecting our electric industry.” 

“It’s great to see Governor O’Malley taking leadership to address global warming. We’re racing the clock on this issue, and the Governor is keeping pace,” said Brad Heavner, State Director for Environment Maryland.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

RGGI is the first cap-and-trade program to control carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. The program is aimed primarily at reducing carbon dioxide pollution through a mandatory emissions cap on the electric generating sector, coupled with a market-based trading program to achieve the lowest possible compliance costs through energy efficiency. 

Maryland’s participation in RGGI will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the state’s electrical generators by roughly 10 percent from current levels by 2019 by the most cost-effective means.