Maryland surpassed its greenhouse gas emission-reduction goal for 2020, according to the final data released by the state Department of the Environment.

The Maryland Climate Change Commission discussed efforts to expand public transportation and reduce emissions from cement manufacturing at a recent meeting.

Maryland faces a steep climb to meet its new emissions-reduction goal of 60% below 2006 levels by 2031. A plan for reaching the goal is due next spring.

Maryland's commercial and multifamily buildings would be forced to eliminate carbon emissions and new buildings would be all-electric under coming legislation.

A Maryland Climate Change Commission working group recommends ordering the state's Building Code Administration to adopt an all-electric construction code.

Maryland is looking at challenges of different pathways to building decarbonization, while Montgomery County explores solutions in energy performance standards.

Maryland has several “feasible pathways” to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings by 2045, according to a study presented to stakeholders.