In Maryland, the Maryland Biofuels Task Force, a diverse coalition of ~50 subject-matter experts representing 30+ agricultural, environmental, governmental, nonprofit, academic, and industry organizations, recently released its comprehensive report assessing the challenges, costs, feasibility, and statewide benefits of expanding the use of higher biofuel blends across Maryland.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) estimates that achieving state carbon reduction targets could generate $135 billion in societal benefits. The report concludes that adopting a Maryland Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) would accelerate progress toward these goals while reducing energy costs for consumers and improving statewide economic and environmental resilience.
Key Findings
· Reduce 3.0 million metric tons of CO₂ annually—equal to removing nearly
· 1 million gasoline vehicles.
· Lower gasoline prices by $0.20–$0.40 per gallon, saving Maryland drivers $569M–$1B annually.
· Reduce diesel prices by 1–4%, lowering trucking, farm, and consumer costs by more than $100M.
· Improve air quality by reducing BTEX aromatics, PM2.5, and mobile-source air toxics—lowering health care costs and preventing an estimated 30 premature deaths annually.
· Preserve farmland and support agricultural income while slowing Maryland’s rapid rate of farmland loss.
· Strengthen Maryland’s resilience to fuel disruptions and foreign oil volatility through expanded domestic renewable fuel supplies.
