Earlier this month, the Moore-Miller Administration unveiled their proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The Maryland Sierra Club applauds Governor Moore for his commitment to continue investing in energy programs to advance our climate goals.
The proposed budget maintains funding for essential energy-related programs including electric vehicles, clean energy, energy efficiency, electrification, and more. Other significant investments include:
- $12 million in increased for the Maryland Department of the Environment
- Increased funding for critical restoration projects for the Chesapeake Bay.
- $50 million in grants to support solar and geothermal heat pump installations for existing school buildings, and the construction of new net-zero schools.
- $50 million to increase solar deployment on state properties.
We recognize the challenging budget situation. However, given the climate crisis we must not lose sight of the action needed to achieve the state’s climate goals. The proposed budget does not make major cuts to significant climate programs, but it also does not contain any new sources of revenue for existing and new programs. We urge the Governor and General Assembly to enact the RENEW Act, Coal Clean Up and Asthma Mitigation Act, and other policies that will address the budget needs or revenue needed to achieve our ambitious goals.
In the meantime, we look forward to working with the Moore Administration and members of the General Assembly to ensure the proposed 2026 budget passes the House and Senate.