Maryland
Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan Sets Path to a Zero Emissions Future
By Jason Aul, Strategic Communications Director – The Moore Administration released Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan, as required by the 2022 Climate Solutions Now Act, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 60% by 2031.
The Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) applauds the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) for their timely and comprehensive report, and establishing a strong policy foundation for Maryland to meet its climate targets, however is disappointed the plan does not commit to funding the implementation of the policies.
The plan’s inclusion of policies such as addressing energy efficiency in buildings, updating appliance standards, excluding municipal waste incineration from the state’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS), and developing a new Clean Power Standard is particularly encouraging. The plan clearly lays out the steps and actions needed to meet Maryland’s climate goals.
Maryland LCV Executive Director, Kim Coble, issued the following statement on the plan’s release:
- “We commend the Maryland Department of the Environment for the tremendous effort to complete this report in the timeline required. We are encouraged by many of the proposals in the plan, but also recognize where it falls short. Most importantly, the plan does not include a funding mechanism to implement the infrastructure and policies required for the transition to clean, renewable energy and ensure low income households are not left behind in the transition. We will continue to work with the administration and the Maryland General Assembly to ensure there are adequate resources and a regulatory framework to meet the moment.”
The Moore Administration and the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) need to move forward swiftly with proposals and policies that do not require new funding sources, including;
- Removing manufacturing exemption from state GHG accounting
- Removing municipal waste incineration from the state’s RPS
- Shifting the goals of the state’s energy efficiency program
- Reducing the total vehicle miles traveled across the state
The plan falls short in three key areas. If Maryland is going to be a national leader on fighting climate change impacts, the Administration need to address the following:
- Establish a Robust Funding Mechanism: Create a funding mechanism that will leverage private funds and provide the estimated $1 Billion a year needed to achieve Maryland’s 2031 emissions reduction goal. New York, Washington, and California are moving in this direction and surprisingly, Michigan is also leading the country in not only creating a plan to address climate change but also identifying and providing funds to implement the plan. Without designated funding, or even a commitment to finding funds, there is no guarantee the policies will be implemented and the plan is simply – a plan.
- Urgent Renewable Energy Deployment: If Maryland is going to meet the 100% Clean Energy goal, leadership is needed to ensure Maryland’s renewable energy sources including wind, geothermal, and in particular solar are deployed immediately and with urgency.
- Addressing Environmental Justice: Addressing the impact of pollution and climate change on underserved and overburdened communities, who often include those who contribute the least to the problems, needs to be a top priority. Actions including job training and a just transition for those needing to change jobs or have been left behind in other economy-wide changes need to be prioritized in the plan. Additionally, funding is needed to keep communities from falling behind in the transition, including retrofitting low and moderate income homes and making the leap to electric vehicles. Investing in renewable, clean energy today means an investment in jobs, health, and the environment for decades to come.
The Governor and his administration can maintain their commitment to fighting climate change by issuing an executive order accompanying the plan that:
- Provides steps to develop specific and concrete funding mechanisms for the plan
- Outlines and prioritizes a climate focused 2024 legislative agenda
- Establishes regulations and actions that can be implemented immediately
By taking these actions, the Moore administration will reinforce its commitment to environmental stewardship while also ensuring Maryland continues to be a national leader in climate action. Maryland LCV remains committed to working alongside the Administration and state leaders to realize a sustainable and equitable climate future for everyone in Maryland.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – A steam outage at the University of Maryland is causing widespread heating issues for students, staff and faculty living and working on campus.
The outage has left dozens of buildings with limited heat and hot water.
The university is closed on Wednesday. Officials say they’ve identified the source of the problem and are working on repairs, but there’s still no timeline for full restoration.
University leaders say essential employees should check in with their supervisors, while instructors may hold classes as scheduled or shift to asynchronous virtual instruction. Dining halls are also experiencing issues because of the outage.
Residential students are being urged to watch for additional updates as crews work to repair the system. Officials also warn that even cleared sidewalks may remain icy, adding to the challenges brought on by the cold weather.
The cause of the outage has not yet been determined, but repairs are ongoing.
A full list of affected buildings has been posted online.
UMD posted the following statement to their webpage.
The University of Maryland is closed Wednesday, January 28, 2026 and experiencing a steam outage
Steam Outage
UMD has experienced a significant steam outage with reduced heat in many buildings and no hot water for showers and food preparation.
Facilities Management has identified the source of the problem and is working on solutions throughout the morning. Residential students will receive more guidance.
Weather-essential employees are encouraged to communicate with supervisors. Dining halls are affected by the outage; expect delays. Limit time outdoors and follow emergency guidance to stay warm. More information at umd.edu/weather.
Maryland
Maryland’s four-year graduation rate slightly declines, the Department of Education reports
Maryland’s high school four-year graduation rate slightly declined in 2025, compared to the previous school year, according to a report by the state’s Department of Education.
However, the four-year graduation rates improved for African American students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities.
The state said the largest drop was among multilingual students.
“For all of us who work in education, the ultimate mark of student success is when they walk across the stage on graduation day. We are encouraged by the progress we see among African American students, students with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Dr. Carey Wright, the State Superintendent of Schools. “These gains reflect the hard work of educators, families, and communities across Maryland to give every student the support they need to succeed.”
The state’s five-year graduation rate increased to 89.2% in 2025, from 87.4% in 2024.
You can check out how your school district fares here.
Breakdown of the state’s graduation rate
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) said that 62,842 out of 72,702 high school students across the state graduated in the 2024-25 school year. That’s a graduation rate of 86.4%, which is slightly lower than the 87.6% of graduating students in the 2023-24 school year.
The MDE said the graduation rate for African American students increased to 85.8% in 2025. The graduation rate for students with disadvantaged backgrounds improved to 83%.
While Maryland’s graduation outcomes remain strong overall, the State Board is deeply concerned about declines among multilingual learners and Hispanic students,” said Dr. Joshua Michael, the State Board of Education President. “Heightened political tensions and fear around immigration enforcement erode students’ sense of safety and belonging, disrupting learning and pathways to graduation.”
Baltimore City sees graduation rates increase
Baltimore City’s four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2025 increased to 71.8%, its highest since 2018, the school district said. The city’s five-year graduation rate improved to 74.6%, which is its most since 2019.
The city school’s graduation rate for students with disabilities increased 5.3 points from 2024 to 2025, and 3.2 points for African American students. According to the district, the graduation rate for Hispanic/Latino students and Multilingual Learners both posted decreases in 2025.
“This growth is a powerful testament to the shared commitment reflected in our Portrait of a Graduate work,” said Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises. “While we still have much more work to do, this continued progress reflects the dedication of our students, families, school leaders, and educators across every grade level. By focusing on 9th-grade support, expanding credit recovery, strengthening post-secondary planning, and prioritizing daily attendance, we are driving student achievement and opening doors to higher education, family-sustaining careers, and brighter futures.”
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Maryland State Police (MSP) are investigating a fatal shooting in Princess Anne.
It happened around 2 p.m. Monday on Bratten Avenue.
According to Maryland State Police, one person was pronounced dead on scene by emergency medical personnel.
The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office requested help from the MSP Homicide Unit and is assisting with the investigation, along with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Somerset County.
Investigators believe there is no threat to public safety.
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