Big Wins for the Environment in the Maryland General Assembly
The Sierra Club accomplished all four of its “must pass” priorities for the 2017 session of the Maryland General Assembly:
Frack-Free Maryland! - Our rallying cry of "Don't Frack Maryland" is now the law of the land, after Governor Hogan signed this landmark legislation.
More Renewable Energy! - With the override of Governor Hogan's veto of the 2016 Clean Energy Jobs Act, Maryland will steadily increase its renewable energy use, reaching 25 percent by 2020.
More Energy Efficiency! - This legislation, enacted into law without the Governor's signature, reaffirms and preserves Maryland’s nationally-acclaimed energy efficiency program, which reduces the need for new power plants, creates jobs, and saves ratepayers money.
Keeping Antibiotics Effective! - Subject to the Governor's review, Maryland will become the second state to tackle the threat of drug-resistant superbugs by addressing the overuse of antibiotics in farm animals.
And we helped to pass many other important environmental bills as well, on a wide range of issues. This included bills on energy storage; development of solar and wind energy consistent with local land use planning; several bills to address the problem of urban food deserts; protection of ocean shorelines, state lakes, and oyster sanctuaries; pollinator protection; extension of the electric vehicle tax credit; repeal of the farebox recovery rule for public transportation; a prohibition on coal rolling; and composting.
All in all, we submitted testimony on over 70 separate bills! See this listing.
Unfortunately, there also were some notable setbacks. We were not successful in passing legislation to strengthen the Forest Conservation Act, require use of best technology for all new septic systems, or ban the use of styrofoam food containers and packaging.
What's next and how you can help?
The Sierra Club needs people like YOU to help us achieve success in Annapolis and protect the environment. There are many opportunities to get involved. The only requirements are a desire to contribute, enthusiasm, and some time.
Fill out our volunteer survey and we will follow up with more info on our legislative plans and conservation campaigns.
Our ambitious agenda for Maryland includes more home-grown solar and wind energy, closing coal plants and trash incinerators, challenging construction of new gas infrastructure, promoting composting and recycling, ensuring compliance with clean water requirements, and launching a new "sustainable transportation" campaign.
Each year, the Maryland Sierra Club advocates for the passage of progressive environmental legislation in Annapolis. The legislative team, composed of volunteers and staff members, works closely with the Maryland Sierra Club’s Conservation Committee, its issue committees (Beyond Gas; Energy; Natural Places; Public Health; Water; and Zero Waste), and the Club’s county-level Groups.
The Maryland General Assembly’s legislative session begins in mid-January and lasts for 90 days, until mid-April. During session, staff and volunteers meet with legislators in Annapolis, contact legislators by email and phone, deliver testimony on bills, engage in public education efforts, and identify key opportunities for engagement.