STATEMENT: Gov. Moore order on home heating appliances means cleaner air and safer climate

BALTIMORE –  Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order on Tuesday, directing the Maryland Department of the Environment to establish new regulations for emissions from home heating appliances. 

The new clean air standards will reduce emissions of harmful pollutants, including nitrous oxide, small particulate matter, and ozone pollution. The regulations are also expected to increase adoption of highly efficient heat pumps, which are more efficient than gas furnaces and traditional HVAC. Heat pumps provide affordable, reliable heating and cooling year round while reducing health-harming air pollution.

When we use gas furnaces, water heaters, and other gas-fired appliances in our homes, we burn fossil fuels that emit pollutants into the air, which contribute to climate change and harm public health. Breathing this dirty air pollution can cause or worsen respiratory illness, especially among children. 

Emily Scarr, Maryland PIRG Director and Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America, issued the following statements:

“Pollution from gas furnaces and water heaters increases the risk of premature death, asthma attacks, and cancer. We applaud Gov. Moore for today’s announcement and look forward to supporting strong regulations to clean up our air, lower heating bills, and protect the health of Maryland families,” said Emily Scarr.

 “Thanks to rapid improvements in technology, we can use the power of the sun and the wind to heat our homes instead of burning polluting fossil fuels. Moving these standards forward demonstrates the Moore administration’s commitment to a clean energy future. In 2024 Marylanders can heat their homes with pollution-free energy that protects the health of loved ones and the environment,” said Johanna Neumann.

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