Storm Water Success!

By Andy Fellows, Chesapeake Regional Director On Friday afternoon, the Maryland House of Delegates passed House Bill (HB) 987 on a 90-48 vote.  This is a great step forward for the campaign to reduce pollution from storm water – the runoff from urban and suburban streets and parking lots.  HB 987, sometimes referred to as the Watershed Protection and Restoration Act, will require Maryland’s largest counties and Baltimore City to develop local funding to reduce stormwater pollution.  This contaminated runoff, flowing untreated from streets and parking lots, is the fastest growing form of pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.  For most urban communities, it is the single greatest obstacle to the restoration of local rivers and streams. This is incredibly good news! Congratulations, Maryland on passing HB 987 out of the House.  Now, it’s on to the State Senate!