A new task force aimed at increasing biofuel use in Maryland was announced Tuesday as part of the state’s efforts to meet ambitious climate targets.
The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition launched the Maryland Biofuels Task Force to help the state achieve goals set by the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, which requires a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045.
The initiative follows preliminary research on the potential benefits of higher biofuel blends for the state’s economic and environmental security.
Research shows biofuels could stimulate Maryland’s economy through agricultural processing, potentially helping address the state’s $3 billion budget shortfall.
Supporting agricultural markets may enhance food security, stabilize prices and prevent increased carbon emissions from farmland conversion, according to the coalition.
Increased biofuel supply is already saving Maryland drivers approximately $569 million annually, about 20 cents per gallon, the research found.
Using higher biofuel blends could reduce carbon emissions by 3.2 million metric tons yearly — equivalent to removing nearly 800,000 vehicles from roads — helping the state meet its climate goals.
The research also indicates biofuels provide immediate emissions reductions for vehicles manufactured since 2001, which account for 97% of gasoline sold.
The shift could save Maryland an estimated $3.4 billion annually through reduced public health costs, lower climate-related economic losses and decreased pollution.
The task force brings together government leaders, industry experts and environmental advocates to develop a roadmap for integrating biofuels into Maryland’s sustainability policies.
“The road to achieving Maryland’s carbon reduction goals needs to be paved with cleaner fuels in all legacy and new internal combustion engines while the state’s transition to more EVs continues,” said Antoine Thompson, executive director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition.
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks has agreed to host a briefing to launch the task force’s yearlong stakeholder engagement campaign, Thompson said.