Sierra Club has long been recognized as one of the country's most influential environmental groups. The Catoctin Group focuses on issues affecting Frederick and Carroll Counties, which can be at the local, state or federal level. We lobby for environmental protections and against any proposals that would roll back the protections that we currently enjoy. We work to educate leaders and the public about environmental issues in order to promote environmental leadership.
2026 Maryland General Assembly
This year Sierra Club had three priority bills, plus many others we supported. It was a difficult year for environmental legislation due to competing priorities. None of the following bills became legislation, but there was progress and hope for next year!
🌎 Enact a statewide recycling-refund and litter reduction program for beverage containers (“Bottle Bill”), that would reduce beverage container litter and plastic pollution, capture at least 90% of the beverage containers sold in the state for recycling, increase the availability of food-grade materials for recycled content, reduce costs for local governments, and would be paid for by beverage producers, not taxpayers.
🚉 Shift investments away from highway expansion to more affordable and clean transportation choices including public transit, walking, and biking (“Transportation and Climate Alignment Act”).
🌟 Protect funding for environmental programs in the State's budget. These include the Strategic Energy Investment Fund that makes utility bills more affordable for low-income households while reducing emissions and Program Open Space that promotes conservation of Maryland's undeveloped lands and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Local Elections in Carroll and Frederick Counties
2026 is the year for mid-term elections, so we will be voting for our State and Federal representatives to the MD General Assembly and US Congress. In addition, counties and municipalities may have other elected positions to fill, such as State's Attorney, School Board, County Commissioners or Executives, etc.
You may think your local officials aren't as important as your Federal government representatives, but these officials can have a big impact on your daily life. If you care about climate change, zero waste, protecting outdoor spaces, and many other environmental issues, electing officials who also care about these issues is important. They can set the tone for change at the state or even national level. So we urge you to get involved!
If you live in an incorporated town, check your town government's website for more details about dates and deadlines for candidates to file. Make your voice heard by attending meetings and getting to know the candidates, or you might want to throw your own hat in the ring and run for office.
Sierra Club has issued a Green Ballot of candidates we are endorsing for the primary election on June 23. These are candidates for federal, state or local office who we believe will address climate change and support the environment. Click here to see the candidates for Carroll and Frederick Counties, plus candidates for State-wide offices.