India, April 25 -- The University of Maryland will seek the state's approval to replace the campus' aging power, boiler and chiller plants and key portions of the thermal distribution system as part of a long-term plan to pursue sustainable, fossil fuel-free energy alternatives.

A $390 million investment in campus infrastructure, the NextGen Energy Program stands to significantly improve energy service on campus and result in immediate environmental impact, including cutting carbon emissions by 23% and reducing water consumption by 50% a year.

"A carbon-neutral campus is a significant step, but now it's time to set our sights on reducing UMD's dependency on fossil fuels," said President Darryll J. Pines. "We are committed to a fossil fu...