Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

The State is currently meeting the GHG goals established by Maine law.

38 MRSA §576 (2003) set goals to reduce GHG emissions statewide:

1. To 1990 levels by January 1, 2010;
2. To 10% below 1990 levels by January 1, 2020; and
3. In the long term, reduction sufficient to eliminate any dangerous threat to the climate. To accomplish this goal, reduction to 75% to 80% below 2003 levels may be required.

38 MRSA §576-A (2019) expanded these GHG reduction goals and (2022) added a carbon neutrality goal:

1. To 45% below 1990 levels by January 1, 2030; and
2. To 80% below 1990 levels by January 1, 2050.
3. Beginning January 1, 2045, net annual greenhouse gas emissions may not exceed zero metric tons.

Additional Information:

• The Department provides biennial reports to the Legislature, evaluating the State's progress toward meeting our reduction goals.
• The Department's latest Biennial Report shows that Maine exceeded the first goal and is on track to meet the next goal by 2020 (see graph below).
• Tenth Biennial Report on Progress Toward Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals, June 2024 (pdf)

Contact: Allison Montgomery 207-414-2929