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 development of renewable energy projects and in achieving their objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2020, Virginia established a Renewables Portfolio Standard[2] that all utilities sell 100 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2050. In September 2022, utilities generated 36.5 percent of the state’s electricity from zero-carbon energy sources[3] (nuclear and renewables).
In 2010, 36.8 percent of Virginia’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants[4]. In September 2022, only 1.4 percent 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 modernized its regional power grid and is now actively developing the state’s solar, hydropower, and offshore wind renewable energy resources.
In 2019, Maryland established a revised Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard[5] for utilities to generate 50 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030. In September 2022, utilities generated 43.5 percent of the state’s electricity from zero-carbon energy sources[6] (nuclear and renewables).
In 2010, 54.1 percent of Maryland’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants[7]. In September 2022, only 11.1 percent of Maryland’s electricity was generated from coal.
In September 2022, only 6.4 percent of Maryland’s electricity was generated from renewable energy. Maryland’s utilities are facing a daunting challenge of achieving 50 percent of the state’s electricity sales from renewable energy by 2030.
State governments should learn from state’s like Virginia to investigate before they legislate, if they are truly committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2021, United States electric utilities emitted[8] 1,552 million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). 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
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”
www.jackkerfoot.com
Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey and articles for The Hill, one of the largest independent political news sites in the United States. He has been interviewed on over 100 radio and television stations from New York City to Los Angeles on numerous energy related topics.
[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