maryland

Speak out against coal contamination in South Baltimore

October 3, 2024 | By Jennifer Kunze

Three years ago, the coal export terminal in the neighborhood of Curtis Bay in South Baltimore exploded, shattering windows and causing more damage throughout the community. Now, this coal expert terminal's Permit to Operate is up for renewal, and it's time to speak up! RSVP to attend a public hearing in Curtis Bay on Thursday, October 10 at 6PM.

A large piece of yellow equipment on several rail lines enveloped by a huge cloud of dark dust

Picture of a man in safety goggles and a reflective vest wiping his forehead. Text" Maryland's new heat standard: a victory for worker safety in the climate crisis."

Maryland's New Heat Stress Standard

October 2, 2024 | By Gabi Sanchez

For years, Clean Water Action has been working in Maryland to support the safety of farm workers working in high-heat conditions – particularly pesticide applicators who require safety gear to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals. As climate change continues to bring more extreme weather, working for climate resiliency means that protecting workers from heat-related risks is more important than ever.

Making Frederick's compost pilot program permanent!

September 18, 2024 | By Jennifer Kunze

For the past two years, the City of Frederick has offered free food scrap pickup to City households through Key City Compost, to be composted at Key City's compost facility near Thurmont. Now, the pilot program is coming to an end, and the City of Frederick faces the decision of whether to make it permanent, what the permanent parameters should be, and how it should be paid for.

A picture of the BRESCO trash incinerator in Baltimore

Why is Baltimore City burning our yard waste?

June 25, 2024 | By Jennifer Kunze

For decades, Baltimore City code has banned the disposal of yard waste and recyclable materials at the City's landfill. CB23-0466 will extend that to all landfills and incinerators, requiring private waste haulers and the City government to divert yard waste for composting instead of incineration. Read our testimony signed by 23 organizations and technical comments for a more in-depth analysis of the bill:

Tell EPA, MDE, and Baltimore City: Expand the SOS Program for Sewage Backups

We need your help in making it loud and clear: EPA & MDE should stand their ground and require Baltimore City to clean up all sewage backups caused in part or in full by conditions in city-owned pipes. Mayor Scott and Baltimore City DPW should take responsibility for the impacts the city’s pipe infrastructure is having on Baltimore families.

A crowd of people rallying outside of Baltimore City Hall, with signs like "Pipes should work for people" and "sewage stinks"

Pie chart showing 39.8% for Wheelabrator Disposal and 7.0% for Single-Stream Recycling

Testimony on Baltimore City's 2025 Budget

May 16, 2024 | By Jennifer Kunze

Tonight is Taxpayers' Night, the annual City Council hearing on Baltimore City's budget. Read our testimony on Zero Waste, trash incineration and sewage backups below! And stay tuned for the Department of Public Works budget hearing on June 3.