In 2007, MDE adopted regulations implementing the California Clean Car emissions standards for new vehicles, commonly known as the Maryland Clean Car Program, that dramatically lowered the amount of emissions coming from the tailpipe as older vehicles retire from the road. Adopting the California program reduced tailpipe emissions from our cars more than the existing federal standards at that time. This program also was the first to reduce GHG emissions while improving fuel economy. Additionally, MDE worked with other state and regional stakeholders to get the federal government to adopt national fuel economy standards that mirrored California’s, providing further reductions in harmful pollutants.
The Transportation sector is a leading contributor to Maryland's air quality issues, especially ozone and greenhouse gas emissions. Deploying Zero Emission vehicles (ZEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles, that use electricity instead of gasoline or diesel, substantially reduce emissions of NOx, PM and GHGs as well as other pollutants that harm air quality and public health. Maryland's Clean Car Program requires car manufacturers to sell an increasing number of ZEVs in the state. Maryland has implemented several programs that offset the cost of these vehicles and their charging infrastructure. As Maryland’s electricity system continues to decarbonize, the pollution benefits of EVs will become even greater. The 2030 GGRA Plan builds upon Maryland’s early action to deploy ZEVS in the state.
For information about ZEVs, click here.
MDE is initiating a new effort to reduce motor vehicle tampering. Tampering with vehicle emission control equipment is illegal and leads to significant increases in emissions and risks to public health and the environment. Vehicle tampering can include totally removing a vehicle’s emission control system, installing replacement parts that do not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, reprogramming computer components or installing performance chips to bypass or defeat emission control systems.
The 2015 Volkswagen “defeat device” case brought vehicle tampering front and center. Since then, state air quality agencies and the EPA have been conducting research on and investigating other potential tampering violations. EPA research indicates that over 500,000 diesel pick-up trucks nationally (about 13% of registered US pick-ups) have had their emission control systems completely removed. New Jersey research shows that, within their state, and potentially other areas, tampering rates may be as high as 30% for diesel pick-up trucks. An analysis from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association indicates that tampered vehicles in Maryland and neighboring states release over 50 tons of excess NOx emissions each day during the summer ozone season.
The Department is working with EPA to begin implementing an enhanced enforcement program to eliminate these illegal activities. More information on MDE’s developing program and implementation efforts related to this important effort can be found on the MDE anti-tampering webpage.
Between 2009 and 2015, Volkswagen violated the Clean Air Act (CAA) by installing software designed to defeat vehicle emissions standards. In the resulting settlement, the manufacturer is required to mitigate pollution increases through investments that include vehicle replacements and supporting Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) technology. The Volkswagen Trust is funding some 40 projects that replace older, dirty diesel engines with new, cleaner technologies. Some projects that are currently underway include advanced technology switcher locomotives, electric shuttle and transit buses, electric and propane school buses, and cleaner garbage trucks. Additionally, Maryland’s mitigation plan places priority on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, allocating the full 15% (approx. $11.3 million) to charging infrastructure. MDE worked closely with the Maryland Energy Administration to develop the Maryland Charging Infrastructure Program. The Program focuses on three areas; workplace charging, state owned property charging and corridor/HUB charging. To learn more click: here.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Maryland Port Administration (MDOT-MPA), the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and MDE continue to successfully work together on projects of mutual interest that improve air quality and enhance the Port business environment. These innovative projects and programs have demonstrated both environmental and economic benefits to the region and the State. MDOT-MPA is pushing ahead with its $1.8 million EPA Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant and continuing to replace dray trucks, cargo handling equipment, and cranes. The COVID-19 restrictions initially impacted progress on this important air quality project, but it is recovering rapidly and is almost back to pre-COVID participation levels.
To date, more than $19 million has been invested into diesel emission reduction activities at the port. These projects will reduce thousands of tons of air pollutants including NOx, fine particles, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. These projects result in significant reductions in GHG emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and black carbon.
To learn more click here.
MDE’s Idle Free MD program is a partnership between the state, the private sector, and Maryland schools. The program is designed to educate about the hazards to health and the environment from unnecessary idling of motor vehicles, which include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide compounds that contribute to ozone creation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
MDE has been partnering with schools throughout the state to help them implement or reinvigorate their own idle reduction programs. Having such a school policy not only clears the air on their campuses but goes toward their certification as a Maryland Green School. MDE also continues to work with the Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) through education and outreach.
To learn more click here.
The medium and heavy duty (MHD) vehicle sector continues to be a leading contributor of NOx, PM, and GHG emissions in the state. Recent modeling suggests that this will only increase in the future as light duty vehicles and stationary sources get cleaner. To address this, Maryland has implemented several programs over the past few years that seek to accelerate the implementation of cleaner technologies in this sector. As part of this effort, Maryland recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 13 other jurisdictions to electrify medium and heavy-duty trucks, with the goal of achieving a 30% sales share of ZEV medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2030, and 100% ZEV sales by 2050. Maryland and the other signatory states are developing action plans to achieve those goals. These actions plans will be introduced in 2021. The 2030 GGRA Plan will continue to accelerate deployment of EVs across all on-road vehicle classes and complement existing market forces.
To learn more click here and for information on Maryland's Program click here.