BALTIMORE – Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky today issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order that attempts to undercut state-based efforts to combat climate change. Notably, while serving in the state senate, Pinsky authored the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, arguably the most progressive state-level climate law in the country.
“When President Trump attempts to attack programs and policies that confront climate change, a proven reality he willfully chooses to ignore, he actually attacks members of the American public who stand to benefit from the lower-cost, cleaner power that results from research, incentives and other efforts to address climate change. Perhaps finding the funds to pay for another trip to urgent care to deal with your child’s latest asthma flareup or rising electric bills aren’t a struggle the president understands. But they are recurring challenges for most everyday Americans who can’t afford to ignore reality.
It seems the administration supports states’ rights only when it suits them. Interfering with state sovereignty, under the Constitution, particularly in an earth-threatening condition like climate change and the pursuit of clean energy, is worse than irresponsible. Climate change is real, happening now, and affecting our ecosystems and economies alike. The president says he trusts his gut over the tidal wave of experts and evidence illustrating the effects of climate change. But when we are talking about more sudden and serious storms and hurricanes, challenges to communities from sea-level rise and flood waters, and the potential for the complete disruption of the lives and livelihoods of so many people, I’m going to trust the scientists and researchers and city administrators and school leaders and military officials – along with the everyday Marylanders who are sounding the alarm bell that action on climate is imperative.
Attempting to undercut state leadership on climate change in a place like Maryland – and, for that matter, across the nation – doesn’t only harm public health and the battle to reduce greenhouse gases. It likely will result in Maryland residents paying more for their energy. It also pulls the rug out from underneath the clean energy companies and high-tech firms and startup businesses that call Maryland home. The research community that is so important to finding climate solutions represents a key aspect of the innovation economy that makes Maryland so special, and so vital.”
The Maryland Energy Administration promotes clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. For more information about the agency and its programs, visit our website at Energy.Maryland.gov, and follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X | Facebook.
