Efforts to address climate change are gaining momentum across the United States. However, environmental philosophies and policies vary dramatically from state to state.
The move from fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) to renewable energy (wind, solar, hydropower, etc.) has contributed to a decline in greenhouse emissions[1] in the United States over the last fifteen years.
Climate, renewable energy resource potential, and population are all factors that impact a state’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Comparing individual states in the same region proves insight into which states are making real progress at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In the Mid-Atlantic, Virginia and Maryland are states with similar climates, populations, and renewable energy resource potential. However, each state is taking different a path in the reduction of greenhouse gases and the development of their renewable energy resources.
In 2020, Virginia established a Renewables Portfolio Standard[2] that all utilities sell 100% of their electricity from renewables by 2050. In October 2021, electric utilities generated 45.0 % of the state’s electricity from zero-carbon energy sources[3] (nuclear and renewables).
In 2010, 36.8 % of Virginia’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants[4]. In October 2021, only 1.3 % of the state’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants.
In 2020, Virginia developed a comprehensive plan to achieve 100% zero-carbon electricity generation. Virginia has now modernized its regional power grid and is now actively developing the state’s offshore wind, solar, and hydropower renewable energy resources.
In 2019, Maryland established a revised Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard[5] for electric utilities to generate 50% of the state’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030. In October 2021, electric utilities generated 46.8 % of the state’s electricity from zero-carbon energy sources[6] (nuclear and renewables).
In 2010, 54.1% of Maryland’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants[7]. In October 2021, only 8.0 % of Maryland’s electricity was generated from coal.
In October 2021, only 8.8 % of Maryland’s electricity was generated from renewable energy. Maryland’s utilities are facing a daunting challenge to achieve 50% of the state’s electricity sales from renewable energy by 2030.
State governments must learn from state’s like Virginia to investigate before they legislate if they are serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2020, United States electric utilities produced 1.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions[8]. Achieving a carbon-free power sector in the United States by 2035 will have a significant impact on the global reduction of greenhouse gases. It is time our country united behind programs to address climate change.
Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey and articles for The Hill, one the largest independent political news sites in the United States.
Jack has spent over forty years in the energy industry working with scientists, bureaucrats, ministers, and heads of state on energy issues around the world. He has been interviewed on over ninety radio and television stations from New York City to Los Angeles on global energy issues. Jack is a board member of Engineers for a Sustainable Future.
Jack Kerfoot
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”
www.jackkerfoot.com
[1] US Environmental Protection Agency, April 2021.
[2] National Conference of State Legislators – State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Goals, August 13, 2021
[3] US. Energy Information Administration, Virginia Profile and Energy Estimates
[4] U.S. Energy Information Agency, Virginia Electric Power Consumption Estimates 1960 – 2018
[5] National Conference of State Legislators – State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Goals, August 13, 2021
[6] US. Energy Information Administration, Maryland State Profile and Energy Estimates
[7] U.S. Energy Information Agency, Maryland Electric Power Consumption Estimates 1960 – 2018
[8] U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions Associated With Electricity Generation