Today Maryland begins its 90-day legislative session. This is an exciting three months as Maryland’s House of Delegates and Senate work together to create and pass legislation for Governor Moore's decision. During this whirlwind, your role is critical to helping environmental legislation pass – every voice asking for change helps move the needle.
Here are Clean Water Action's top four priorities in the 2025 legislative session:
CHERISH our Communities Act: to incorporate cumulative impact analysis into Maryland's permitting system in environmental justice communities to protect public health.
Reclaim Renewable Energy Act (HB220/SB10): to end public subsidies Maryland residents pay to trash incinerators as so-called “renewable energy,” and divert those funds to real renewable energy instead. Take action!
- Good news! On 1/8, Baltimore City Mayor Scott announced that his administration would be supporting the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act.
Food Waste Reduction Infrastructure Grants (HB42/SB134): to create a permanent funding program for infrastructure and programs that will reduce the food waste heading to landfills and incinerators through waste reduction, donation, and compost. Take action!
Climate Resilient Septic Systems: to manage septic systems to minimize the threat of sea level rise and changing precipitation to better protect system longevity and surrounding waterways.
Stay tuned throughout Session, and we'll email you with updates about these bills and how you can tell your representatives in Maryland to support these efforts!
Want to learn more about the top priorities for Maryland environmental groups this session? Join Clean Water Action and the broader environmental community on Tuesday, January 28th for the Maryland Environmental Legislative Summit, where we will learn about the community legislative priorities and hear from legislative leaders and our keynote, Vernice Miller-Travis. RSVP here!
