Climate Partners Announces 2026 Annual Policy Issue Priorities

Written By Laura Bartock

Climate Partners has identified three strategic priorities to guide the coalition’s work throughout the 2026 year. These annual policy priorities reflect collaborative deliberation among our membership. They are designed to focus our efforts on actions that advance Maryland’s long-term climate goals while ensuring equity, community benefit, and measurable impact.

1. Support state-level climate investments and revenue generation strategies

Climate Partners will prioritize policies and programs that secure durable, equitable funding for climate mitigation and adaptation. This includes:

  • Protecting and strengthening the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) to promote affordable, reliable, and clean energy; 

  • Ensuring full implementation of the RENEW Act to calculate the financial harm of climate change in Maryland; and 

  • Advancing market-based programs like Cap & Invest to generate new, non-taxpayer-funded revenue. 

By focusing on these investments, the coalition aims to ensure Maryland has the financial resources to meet its climate commitments while centering equity and transparency in the use of funds.

“The RENEW Act is an important piece of legislation that will advance real justice as we start to grapple with the material and widespread effects of climate change this century. The largest, most polluting fossil fuel companies must split the bill with Marylanders for this very expensive problem that they have created,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland Director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund. 

2. Advance environmental justice and equitable investment in overburdened communities

Equity is central to Climate Partners’ work. In 2026, the coalition will focus on strategies that reduce harms and increase benefits for communities most impacted by climate change and pollution. This includes:

  • Advancing the CHERISH Our Communities Act to require cumulative impacts assessment and increased community engagement in major permitting decisions;

  • Supporting implementation of Governor Moore’s VOICE Executive Order requiring agencies to use environmental justice data in agency decision making;

  • Contesting recent attempts to expand fossil fuel generation in overburdened and underserved communities; and 

  • Promoting sustainable, equitable waste management in Baltimore City. 

By addressing cumulative burdens and directing resources to frontline communities, these efforts ensure that Maryland’s climate solutions are fair, inclusive, and protective of public health. 

“The CHERISH Act will institutionalize the prioritization of overburdened and underserved communities in the permitting process all across Maryland, especially in Baltimore City where a substantial portion of Progressive Maryland’s membership resides. For decades, these communities have endured the environmental and health costs associated with living in close proximity to polluting industries, emphasizing the immediate need for a cumulative impacts bill in the state of Maryland,” said Iman Habib, Climate Policy Analyst at Progressive Maryland. 

3. Advance clean, affordable, energy-efficient, all-electric buildings

Because buildings contribute up to 16%​ of Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions, reducing emissions and energy burdens in buildings is critical to achieving Maryland’s climate goals. Climate Partners will prioritize accelerating the transition to clean heating and high-performance, all-electric buildings. Key focus areas include:

These efforts will help Marylanders transition to healthier, more cost-effective buildings while reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“All-electric buildings are cleaner, safer, and more affordable. By reducing emissions with clean heat, we are improving public health and equity outcomes across Maryland,” said Ruth Ann Norton, President & CEO of the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative.

Why this matters

These priorities reflect a holistic approach to climate action that goes beyond individual bills or initiatives. By focusing on investments, equity, and clean buildings, Climate Partners aims to guide coordinated action across legislative, regulatory, and collaborative opportunities throughout 2026. They provide a clear roadmap for the coalition’s work while remaining flexible to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Join us

Climate Partners is building momentum for change, and there are many ways to get involved. Sign up for our listserv to receive updates, resources, and opportunities to engage in advancing these priorities:

Laura Bartock
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