We All Live Downstream

Pie chart of Baltimore City FY2026 Service 664: Waste Re-Use and Disposal spending, showing majority of funds going to incineration and landfilling

Testimony on Solid Waste Management and Zero Waste in Baltimore City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget

May 15, 2025 | By Jennifer Kunze

Today, the Baltimore City Council holds its annual public hearing on the Mayor's proposed budget, known as Taxpayers' Night. This proposed budget fails to invest in Zero Waste, and we're advocating that the City Council amend the budget to recognize the new revenue it includes that was demanded by

Testimony for HB42/SB134: Wasted Food Reduction & Diversion Fund

Posted on January 30, 2025

Yesterday, I testified in front of the House Environment and Transportation Committee for HB42, one of our top priority bills , which would create a collection of new grants for Zero Waste programs and infrastructure with dedicated new funding. Check out my testimony below, watch the recording of

Chesapeake Regional Director Emily Ranson testifying on a panel of 4 people in the House of Delegates

Image of a scientist holding a test tube with blue liquid and with toxic sign on the front of it.

Testimony against HB62/SB253: environmental protections from chemical warfare disposal activities

January 29, 2025 | By Jennifer Kunze

Today, the House Environment and Transportation Committee and the Senate Education, energy, and the Environment Committee both held hearings on HB62 / SB253 , legislation that would exempt "research facilities" for the incineration of chemical warfare materials - designated as such by the U.S

Equitable Bring Your Own Bag Bill in Montgomery County

January 28, 2025 | By Gabi Sanchez

Two weeks ago, the Montgomery County Council held a public hearing on a new and improved Bring Your Own Bag Bill to update the County's environmental policies on carryout bags, and a vote is coming up soon. Take action: email your County Council members today!

A letter header with the logos of Clean Water Action, Maryland Hunger Solutions, Maryland Center on Economic Policy, Centro de Apoyo Familiar, National Aquarium, Maryland Ornithological Society, Center for Nature-Informed Therapy, and Association for Nature-Based Education

Capitol Dome in Annapolis, view of the Bay. Photo credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

2025 Clean Water Action Maryland Legislative Priorities

January 8, 2025 | By Emily Ranson

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 priorities in the 2025 legislative session.

Testimony against Chemical Recycling in Howard County

November 19, 2024 | By Emily Ranson

W. R. Grace, headquartered in Columbia, has proposed to start a pilot of "chemical recycling" at their headquarters. Chemical recycling is not recycling, and poses many potential dangers for the community - with some homes just 80 yards away from the facility. Nearby residents have proposed a zoning amendment to require a safety buffer between chemical recycling facilities and homes.

A large government meeting room from behind full of people wearing red shirts; a group of students wearing red are visible on a screen at the front of the room testifying at a podium.

Emily Ranson

Red and yellow maple leaves covering the entire surface

Leave the Leaves, Baltimore City!

November 15, 2024 | By Jennifer Kunze

Leave the leaves is a movement that supports letting the fallen leaves stay on the ground in your yard to create an eco-friendly mulch for a healthier environment. Leaves provide many benefits including those for the environment, your health, and your home.

National_Podcast_We All Live Downstream_Clean Water Action

We All Live Downstream - Clean Water Action Podcast

Welcome to We All Live Downstream: a Clean Water Action Podcast available on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Learn More

Stay Informed

Get the latest updates and actions:

Filter By:

Stay Informed

Search Clean Water

Stay Connected