2009 Legislative Session
HB 315/SB 278: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION ACT (GGERA) 2009
This session Maryland passed the 2009 GGERA, which requires the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 2006 levels by 2020. The state must now develop and implement a plan to discuss the state's long term strategies by 2012. The bill also discusses the creation of green jobs and the importance of reducing global warming.
The passing of this bill is a great success for Maryland and finally pushes the state toward meeting the nationwide standard for emissions reductions. While we are headed in the right direction, there is still much more to be done!
Alliance for Global Warming Solutions Release
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Info
Read the bill! • GGERA Fact Sheet
HB 27/SB 753: Defunding the Intercounty Connector (ICC)
This bill sought to remove financing from the ICC, an 18-mile highway with a price tag of close to 4 billion dollars. The ICC will increase carbon emissions, toxic runoff, and will destroy wetlands. Though studies have shown the highway will not reduce congestion on roadways, the state has yet to explore sustainable transportation options. Unfortunately, this bill did not pass.
Put the Brakes on the Intercounty Connector
For More Information on the ICC click here
Read the bill! • More info
HB 1116/SB 878: Smarter and Fairer Growth for Maryland 2009
This bill sought new policies to help communities make smarter decisions about how to grow. For instance, new development patterns, protection for parks and open spaces, and better transportation planning. This bill also did not make it through.
Read the bill! • Basic info
HB 1457/SB 672: Stormwater Management
This bill sought to require counties or municipalities to establish and set a stormwater user charge, and to use the resulting stormwater user charge to fund specified stormwater management activities. This bill did not pass.
Read the bill! • Protect Chesapeake Bay from Run-Off
HB 1569/SB 1065 (formerly HB 1053/SB 824): Standing - Miscellaneous Environmental Protection Proceedings and Judicial Review
This act was spearheaded by Attorney General Douglas Gansler, and will allow for increased enforcement of our environmental laws. It will allow citizens and associations (such as the Sierra Club) to challenge certain environmental permits, provided they meet standing and were involved in the public participation process. This bill passed.
Read the bill!
HB 268/SB 992: Green Jobs - Welfare to Work
This bill requires the Department of Human Resources to develop workforce training programs for the clean energy sector. Passed.
Read the bill!
HB 1291/SB 666: No Net Loss of Forests bill
This bill establishes a "no net loss" standard for Maryland, and increases the level of payments required from developments that impact forests, and reduces the exemption for minor impacts.
Read the bill!
SB 625: Energy Efficient Building Codes
This bill requires counties to adopt the latest energy efficiency building codes. Counties must comply withint six months.
Read the bill!
HB 176/SB 554: Septic System Pollution Controls
Requires any new septic system in homes along the Chesapeake Bay to have state-of-the-art nitrogen removal technology. The MDE will help residents pay for the costs of replacement systems.
Read the bill!
HB 14/SB 184: Protect our Children from Toxic Chemicals
This bill sought to require manufacturers to replace decaBDE with safer alternatives by 2010. DecaBDE is linked to developmental problems in children.
Read the bill!
Environmental Justice: The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
HB 929/SB 917: Pesticide and Fertilizer Use Reporting
Bill would require usage reporting of various pesticides and fertilizers, and would create a centralized database of such use. Costs would be covered by pesticide manufacturers.
Read the Bill!
Citizens Campaign for the Environment
2009 Contacts (pdf)
