ANNAPOLOIS, Md. — Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday said Maryland would join an initiative with 14 other states to reduce emissions from trucks, buses, and other large vehicles.
The states signed on to a memorandum of understanding, which aims to improve air quality and combat climate change.
Participants plan to increase the use of electric vehicles, with an ultimate goals of zero-emissions by 2050.T
As part of the plan, state agencies would work closely with motor carriers, environmental and public health experts, and communities most affected to develop a new approach to cleaner trucking.
“Our administration is a leader on clean transportation and zero emission vehicles and recognizes the value of working with other state, local, and private sector partners for environmental protection and economic progress,” said Governor Hogan.
Nationally, trucks and buses account for four percent of vehicles on the road but are responsible for nearly 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, with truck being the fastest growing source.
Reducing emissions is also a key element in Maryland’s draft of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act plan.
Officials insist the plan would preserve and create jobs, despite the fact those industries are still reeling from the effects of the coronavirus.
Maryland's Environment Department says they've already approved more than $2 million to replace 27 older diesel vehicles with new alternative fueled ones, using money from a settlement with Volkswagen in the “defeat devices” case.
You can read the entire MOU below.
Multistate Truck ZEV Governors MOU 20200714 by Wmar Web on Scribd
