Governor O’Malley issues Executive Order to Expand Commission on Climate Change

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Building on the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s efforts to address the effects of climate change, Governor Martin O’Malley today issued an executive order that expands the membership (list attached), mission and work of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change.

The Executive Order states that more must be done to achieve the State’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland and prepare State and local governments as well as residents for the likely health, environmental and socioeconomic effects of climate change. The requirements of the Executive Order include an expansion of the Commission membership and the development of a plan to achieve an 80 percent, science-based reduction in Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050.

“Climate change is real, and Maryland is vulnerable. But we can make a difference through our actions and doing what works,” said Governor O’Malley. “It is critical that we move forward and continue to lead by example in addressing an issue threatening the Chesapeake Bay and our way of life. This expansion of the Commission on Climate Change’s membership and mission will help to further energize this effort.”

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