Maryland lawmakers send climate change bill to Gov. Hogan.

The measure approved Thursday aims to boost the state’s current goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 40% of 2006 levels to 60% by 2031.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to a broad measure to cut greenhouse gas emissions, sending the bill to Gov. Larry Hogan who has called it a “reckless and controversial energy tax bill.”

Democrats, who control the legislature, have passed the measure with enough time to still be in session to override a veto before lawmakers end their legislative session on April 11, if the Republican governor decides to reject the bill.

While the measure isn't as expansive as initially proposed, it aims to boost the state’s current goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 40% of 2006 levels to 60% by 2031. It also sets a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 in the state. That means at least as much carbon would be removed from the atmosphere as what’s being emitted.

Passage of the bill, which stalled last year and was made a priority this session, comes at a time when other states are steering surplus funding to projects to slow climate change.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-lawmakers-send-climate-change-bill-to-governor-hogan/65-acbb4cd8-0849-4ce2-8a9c-e6b65947530d?