Maryland's Air Quality: Strategies To Reduce Pollution

Maryland's air quality has improved in recent years, but the state still has some of the nation's worst smog and soot pollution. The state's air quality is impacted by pollutants from upwind states, which can account for up to 70% of the recorded ozone levels in Maryland. To reduce air pollution in Maryland, the state has implemented programs such as the Maryland Clean Cars Program and the Maryland Healthy Air Act, which aim to reduce emissions from cars and power plants, the two major contributors to air pollution. Additionally, Maryland has received funding for community-driven solutions to tackle climate change, improve air quality, and advance environmental justice. These solutions include deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure and leveraging the carbon sequestration power of natural and working lands.

Reducing vehicle emissions

Maryland's air quality has improved in recent years, but there is still work to be done to reduce air pollution and its associated health risks. Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in the state, and several strategies can be implemented to reduce them.

One effective way to reduce vehicle emissions is to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Maryland has already begun promoting the switch to electric, highlighting the environmental benefits, as well as the cost savings on fuel, maintenance, and taxes. The state offers various incentives and testimonials from EV owners to encourage residents to make the change. As more automakers introduce EVs at a range of prices, and recharging becomes more convenient, EV ownership will become an even more attractive option for Marylanders.

Maryland has also implemented the Maryland Clean Cars Program, which adopts California's strict vehicle emission standards. These standards have significantly reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, and greenhouse gases (GHGs) from vehicles. The program is an important step in reducing emissions from cars, one of the two major contributors to air pollution in the state.

In addition to promoting cleaner vehicles, Maryland can also focus on reducing the number of vehicles on the road. This can be achieved by encouraging carpooling, public transportation, and other alternative forms of transportation. The Commuter Choice Maryland program, for example, provides incentives to reduce the impact of daily commutes, such as tax breaks for employers who encourage less automobile use among employees. Other alternatives include cycling or walking to work, teleworking, and compressed workweeks, where employees work extra hours Monday through Thursday to have Fridays off.

By implementing these strategies, Maryland can significantly reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality for its residents. These efforts will help protect public health, particularly for vulnerable individuals with respiratory conditions, and preserve the environment, including the Chesapeake Bay, which is threatened by air pollution from vehicles and power plants.

Reducing emissions from power plants

Maryland is very close to meeting all federal health-based air quality standards, thanks in part to reductions in emissions from utilities, motor vehicles, manufacturing, and consumer products. The state has seen an increase in the number of "good" and "moderate" clean air days, with programs like the Maryland Clean Cars Program and the Maryland Healthy Air Act helping to improve air quality.

The Maryland Healthy Air Act is one of the most stringent power plant emission laws on the US East Coast. The Act requires large reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, as well as the control of mercury emissions and greenhouse gases (GHGs). To achieve this, the Act mandates that existing coal plants will cease operations by either 2032 or 2039, unless they can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90%, likely through carbon capture and sequestration.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also released rules governing greenhouse gas emissions and other toxic pollutants from power plants. These rules aim to reduce emissions from the electricity sector and accelerate emissions reductions from the power sector. The EPA rules include:

• New emissions standards for greenhouse gases from power plants under the Clean Air Act, Section 111.
• Emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, including toxic metals and mercury.
• Reducing pollutants discharged through wastewater.
• New requirements for managing coal ash.

These rules are expected to have a significant impact on carbon emissions and the US electric grid, with the potential to lead to the closure of most of the country's coal plants before 2040.

To comply with the new rules, power plants can utilize carbon capture technologies or other means to reduce emissions. The EPA has also offered flexibility in compliance, allowing states with existing carbon-reduction programs to demonstrate compliance through state policies that achieve equal or greater emissions impacts.

Encouraging the use of electric vehicles

Maryland has been witnessing a steady increase in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As of March 31, 2023, there were 68,628 EV registrations in the state, up from just 609 EVs a decade ago. This shift towards electric mobility is crucial for Maryland to achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% in 2031 and reaching net zero by 2045.

Financial Incentives

Maryland offers various financial incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These include:

• Tax Credits: The state provides tax credits for the purchase of plug-in electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment. The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost, up to $1,000, for qualified alternative fueling equipment installed at principal residences. Additionally, the state offers an excise tax credit of up to $3,000 for qualified EV and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) purchases.
• Grants: The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) provides rebates and grants to support the adoption of electric vehicles. This includes the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program, where individuals or entities can receive up to 50% of the cost of acquiring and installing qualified EV charging stations, up to certain maximum amounts. The MEA also offers grants for EV charging stations at workplaces and along designated alternative fuel corridors.
• Rebates and Discounts: Maryland offers rebates and discounts on EV purchases. For instance, the Clean Vehicle Credit provides a tax credit of up to $7,500 for eligible vehicles, with additional criteria based on vehicle specifications, income thresholds, and assembly location.

Infrastructure Development

Maryland is committed to deploying EV charging infrastructure across the state. As of April 2023, there were 1,348 public charging stations with 3,772 outlets. These include DC Fast Chargers and Level 2 chargers. The state has received funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to expand this network and make EVs more accessible to all drivers. The NEVI program aims to build 500,000 fast chargers along alternative fuel corridors, ensuring greater interstate travel for EV users. Maryland has 23 designated EV alternative fuel corridors, and the funding will be used to ensure these corridors have the required number of chargers.

Regulatory Support

Maryland has shown its commitment to promoting electric vehicles through regulatory measures. Governor Wes Moore affirmed the state's plan to mandate that all new cars and light trucks sold in Maryland be zero-emission by 2035. Additionally, the state has set a target of having 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025. The Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council has been working towards this goal. Furthermore, electric vehicles in Maryland are exempt from state emissions inspections, providing an added convenience for EV owners.

Public Awareness and Education

Maryland EV, an initiative organized by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), plays a crucial role in educating the public about electric vehicles. It facilitates discussions, information exchange, and outreach to promote zero-emission vehicles and support the state's climate goals. Maryland EV provides resources and testimonials to highlight the benefits of EVs, including environmental advantages, cost savings, and improved safety features.

Improving public transport and active travel

Improving public transport and promoting active travel are crucial strategies to reduce air pollution in Maryland. Here are some measures that can be implemented:

Expand and Enhance Public Transport

Maryland can invest in expanding and improving public transportation options across the state. This includes increasing the frequency of train, bus, and subway services, ensuring that they are reliable, comfortable, and affordable for all. Making public transport more accessible and efficient encourages people to leave their cars at home, reducing vehicle emissions, which are a significant source of air pollution in Maryland.

Develop Integrated Transport Networks

To further incentivize the use of public transport, Maryland can work on integrating different modes of transportation. This means ensuring smooth connections and transfers between trains, buses, and subways, as well as providing convenient park-and-ride facilities for those who need to drive to transit hubs. Additionally, implementing integrated ticketing and offering reduced-price transit passes can make public transport a more attractive option for commuters.

Encourage Active Travel

Promoting active travel options like walking and cycling can significantly reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality. Maryland can invest in developing an extensive network of cycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas, making it safer and more convenient for people to choose active travel. This can be coupled with initiatives like the Cash in Lieu of Parking program, where commuters who opt for walking or cycling to work can receive a cash payment in place of a dedicated parking space.

Teleworking and Flexible Work Arrangements

The COVID-19 pandemic has normalized teleworking and remote work arrangements. Maryland can encourage employers to continue offering these options post-pandemic, reducing the need for commuting entirely. Additionally, implementing flexible work schedules, such as compressed work weeks, can decrease the number of commuters on the road and help reduce traffic congestion, thereby lowering vehicle emissions.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

While not directly related to public transport, investing in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is crucial to reducing emissions from transportation. Maryland is already taking steps in this direction with the Clean Corridor Coalition project, which involves deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the Interstate-95 freight corridor. This initiative will not only improve air quality but also accelerate Maryland's transition to clean energy.

By implementing these measures, Maryland can significantly improve public transport and active travel options, leading to a reduction in air pollution and associated health risks.

Reducing air pollution from upwind states

Maryland's air quality has improved in recent years, but the state still faces challenges due to air pollution from upwind states. Research indicates that pollution from neighbouring states can account for up to 70% of the ozone levels recorded in Maryland. This "airshed" extends far beyond the state's borders, covering an area of 570,000 square miles, more than nine times the size of the watershed.

To address this issue, Maryland has taken a leading role in bringing together over 20 states to tackle interstate air pollution. As a result of these efforts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has intervened by introducing laws that require power plants in other states to reduce their emissions to levels comparable to Maryland's standards. This intervention is crucial for ensuring that Maryland's progress in improving air quality is not undermined by pollution from upwind states.

Maryland has also been a recipient of significant funding through the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. The Clean Corridor Coalition project, for example, will deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles on the Interstate-95 freight corridor, which includes Maryland and several other states. This initiative will not only reduce emissions but also promote sustainable transportation and clean energy across the region.

Additionally, Maryland has implemented stringent local regulations for its power plants, which go beyond the federal limits. The Maryland Healthy Air Act, for instance, mandates substantial reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. The Act also addresses the control of mercury emissions and greenhouse gases (GHGs). By enforcing stricter standards, Maryland is taking proactive measures to mitigate pollution from local sources and reduce its impact on downwind states.

While Maryland has made significant strides in addressing air pollution, the ongoing challenge of pollution from upwind states underscores the need for continued collaboration and advocacy. By working together with neighbouring states and pushing for stronger emissions regulations, Maryland can contribute to improving air quality not only within its borders but also across the wider region.

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