Just a few months ago on its
latest annual report card, the Chesapeake Bay received its highest score for water quality in nearly a quarter century. The amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in the bay has dropped dramatically compared to recent years.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Maryland Legislature
Feb 1, 2017
Larry Hogan:
Rolled back "rain tax" that reduced Chesapeake Bay pollution
After campaigning with a pledge to roll back taxes, Hogan has made little headway on that front with a Democratic-held General Assembly. He did claim a modicum of success in the fact that the legislature's work product during his first three years did
not contain additional tax increases. In his first year, Hogan signed a bill rolling back a requirement pass during O'Malley's tenure that Maryland's 10 most populous jurisdictions collect a storm-water mitigation fee to fund programs to reduce
Chesapeake Bay pollution. Republicans [called] the fee as the "rain tax" ; it became a frequent applause line during Hogan's campaign. He used executive fiat in 2015 to reduce tolls on the five-mile-long
Bridge that spans the Chesapeake Bay, calling attention to the popular move with special signs. Critics accused Hogan of depriving the state of $50 million annually for road and bridge repair.
Source: Almanac of American Politics on 2018 Maryland Governor race
Oct 5, 2015
Margaret Flowers:
Environmental justice: Corporations responsible for damage
Environmental justice means that all people have access to clean water and air, healthy foods and a livable future by confronting the climate crisis and environmental degradation. Corporations should be held responsible for environmental damage that
undermines the health of communities. And corporations should not extract minerals or energy sources such as oil, gas or uranium if that cannot be done in a way that protects the integrity of our air, water and food systems.
Flowers helped to found Clean Up The Mines, a national campaign to clean up the thousands of abandoned uranium mines throughout the United States that continue to pollute the land, water and air with radioactive and heavy metals.
She also helped to found We Are Cove Point, a coalition that is working to stop the construction of a large power plant, refinery and gas export facility in southern Maryland.
Source: 2016 Maryland Senate campaign website, FlowersForSenate.org
Aug 8, 2016
Martin O`Malley:
Flush Tax: fund green upgrade to wastewater treatment plants
My Republican predecessor called the "flush tax" one of his most important accomplishments while in office. By allowing us to make green upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, we have greatly reduced the pollution flowing into our Bay.But
the fee was never sufficient to cover the work that has to be done. While others have suggested tripling the flush tax, I believe that the fairest way forward is to double the yield by switching most households to a fee structure based on consumption--
whereby, the less you use, the less you pay. This will double the amount of work we are able to do for the Bay.
SB 240 would modify increase the average fee from $2.50 per month to $5.00 per month. Low end users (e.g., 2,000 gallons per month) would
see a lower fee ($1.80 per month) and higher end users (e.g., 8,000 gallons per month) would see an increase ($9.30 per month). Residents who qualify for an exemption from the fee because of income will be encouraged to apply for this exemption.
Source: 2012 Maryland State of the State Address
Feb 3, 2012
Martin O`Malley:
Passed milestone of preserving 1 million acres of open space
We are making our air and our waters cleaner. We have planted more trees on public lands in the last seven years than ever before. More farmers are now planting cover crops to reduce nutrient runoff than ever before. To protect our farmlands, our forests
and our open space for the future, this year Maryland passed the milestone of preserving 1 million acres for our children's future.Together, we have taken the strongest actions in decades to make the Chesapeake Bay cleaner and healthier; strong
actions that are restoring our menhaden, our blue crab, and our oyster populations.
And we are leading the states of our Bay watershed in cleaning up the Chesapeake--consistently meeting our two-year milestones, allowing less nitrogen and phosphorus
to pollute our Bay today than seven years ago. Measurable progress, by our hands, in our time, for the long term restoration of the Bay.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Maryland legislature
Jan 23, 2014
Martin O`Malley:
Supported 25 new state wildlands areas
Legislative Summary: This Administration bill proposes the expansion of 14 wildland areas and the addition of 9 wildland areas under the State wildlands preservation system, resulting in an increase of approximately 21,887 acres.
The expansions and additions are located in Allegany, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Somerset, and Worcester counties. There are currently 29 separate wildlands designated, consisting of approximately 44,000 acres.
Generally, the wildland areas must be devoted to public purposes for recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use. Commercial enterprises and permanent roads, use of motorized equipment/vehicles/boats, and structures
are not allowed in the wildland areasLegislative Outcome: Passed Senate 47-0-0 on April 4; passed House 101-35-5 on April 7; vetoed by Gov. O`Malley on May 15 as duplicative of HB 296, which he signed.
Source: Maryland legislative voting records: SB 336 & HB 296
May 15, 2014
Maya Cummings:
Environmental protection a priority
Protect our natural environment so that we can sustain our precious ecosystem and
ensure the vitality of the Chesapeake Bay.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website MayaForMaryland.com
Oct 15, 2017
Michael Steele:
Revitalize the Chesapeake; focus on open space preservation
Michael is committed to working with Maryland conservationists to promote a stronger, healthier environment. Michael worked with Gov. Ehrlich to protect and revitalize the Chesapeake. Michael worked with conservationists to help restore the Anacostia and
help complete the Anacostia River Walk. The Ehrlich-Steele administration worked to preserve almost 60,000 acres of fields, open space, farmland and forests; and currently, one out of five acres in Maryland are under permanent environmental protection.
Source: Campaign site, MichaelSteeleForMaryland.com, "On the Issues"
May 2, 2006
Parris Glendening:
$955 million for public transit & Smart Growth initiatives
We must take the next dramatic steps to make Smart Growth a permanent fixture on Maryland's landscape.- We will create a "Smart Growth Clearing House," a one-stop information center for builders, planners, environmentalists, farmers, and others who
want to incorporate Smart Growth into their initiatives.
- We will also advance the Smart Growth / Anti-Sprawl ethic with a $750 million investment in public transportation. Our goal is to double Transit ridership by the year 2020.
- We will also
launch a new "Community Legacy" program with an initial commitment of $15 million. This program--modeled after Rural Legacy-will fill in funding gaps in existing programs to revitalize targeted neighborhoods.
- We will expand our efforts to focus on
Community Parks & Playgrounds with a 3-year, $45 million initiative.
- [We propose a] 5-year, $145 million investment in Maryland's "Green Print". We will do more to preserve large tracts of open space, and work to connect already preserved lands.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech to Maryland legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Peter Franchot:
Support joining Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
HB189: Prohibiting affected facilities collectively from emitting more than specified amounts per year of oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and mercury; requiring the Governor to include the State in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Analysis by The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first mandatory cap-and-trade program in the United States to limit carbon dioxide from the power sector. Ten states currently
participate in RGGI. RGGI was established in 2005 and administered its first auction of carbon dioxide emissions allowances in 2008. The annual average CO2 emissions from RGGI electric generation sources decreased by 45 percent [over the next ten years].
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 106-27-8 on Mar/30/06; Rep. Peter Franchot voted YES; Passed Senate 35-10-2 on Apr/4/06; Signed by Gov. Ehrlich on May/2/06.
Source: Analysis of Maryland legislative voting record HB189
Mar 30, 2006
Peter Franchot:
Voted for over $1.4 billion in environmental protection
Peter has voted to invest more than $1.4 billion in environmental protection and land preservation -- including $708 million for Program Open Space, resulting in more than 100,000 acres permanently preserved and protected from development.
Peter has taken a leading role in reforming the way we invest in Program Open Space. He led the effort to create a Program Open Space acquisition scoring system that ensures land acquisitions are carefully vetted for ecological and recreational benefits.
Source: 2022 Maryland gubernatorial campaign website franchot.com
Feb 18, 2021
Peter Franchot:
Work with EPA to help clean up Chesapeake Bay
To reinvigorate the Bay restoration effort, Franchot will work with President Biden's Environmental Protection Agency and the signatory states to the
Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint to reach agreement to ramp up our efforts to achieve clean air, clean water, and lasting health for the Chesapeake Bay by the end of his first term.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com
Jul 19, 2021
Richard Madaleno:
Co-sponsored 25 new state wildlands areas
Legislative Summary: This Administration bill proposes the expansion of 14 wildland areas and the addition of 9 wildland areas under the State wildlands preservation system, resulting in an increase of approximately 21,887 acres.
The expansions and additions are located in Allegany, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Somerset, and Worcester counties. There are currently 29 separate wildlands designated, consisting of approximately 44,000 acres.
Generally, the wildland areas must be devoted to public purposes for recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use. Commercial enterprises and permanent roads, use of motorized equipment/vehicles/boats, and structures
are not allowed in the wildland areasLegislative Outcome: Passed Senate 47-0-0 on April 4; co-sponsored by Sen. Madaleno on Jan. 17 and voted YES; passed House 101-35-5 on April 7; passed by Gov. O`Malley on May 15 as HB 296.
Source: Maryland legislative voting records: SB 336
Apr 5, 2014
Richard Madaleno:
Increase funding for Chesapeake Bay Trust
OnTheIssues Q: what are your views on Environment issues?- 100% rating from Maryland League of Conservation Voters
- Supports prohibition of use of polystyrene food packaging
- Voted YES on banning certain fertilizers
-
Voted YES on increasing scope of and funding for Chesapeake Bay Trust
- Voted YES on limiting emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and mercury from electric generating plants
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
Jun 1, 2018
Richard Madaleno:
Support joining Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
HB189: Prohibiting affected facilities collectively from emitting more than specified amounts per year of oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and mercury; requiring the Governor to include the State in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Analysis by The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first mandatory cap-and-trade program in the United States to limit carbon dioxide from the power sector. Ten states currently
participate in RGGI. RGGI was established in 2005 and administered its first auction of carbon dioxide emissions allowances in 2008. The annual average CO2 emissions from RGGI electric generation sources decreased by 45 percent [over the next ten years].
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 106-27-8 on Mar/30/06; Passed Senate 35-10-2 on Apr/4/06; Sen. Madaleno co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Signed by Gov. Ehrlich on May/2/06.
Source: Analysis of Maryland legislative voting record HB189
Apr 4, 2006
Robert Ehrlich:
Support joining Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
HB189: Prohibiting affected facilities collectively from emitting more than specified amounts per year of oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and mercury; requiring the Governor to include the State in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Analysis by The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first mandatory cap-and-trade program in the United States to limit carbon dioxide from the power sector. Ten states currently
participate in RGGI. RGGI was established in 2005 and administered its first auction of carbon dioxide emissions allowances in 2008. The annual average CO2 emissions from RGGI electric generation sources decreased by 45 percent [over the next ten years].
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 106-27-8 on Mar/30/06; Passed Senate 35-10-2 on Apr/4/06; Signed by Gov. Ehrlich on May/2/06.
Source: Analysis of Maryland legislative voting record HB189
May 2, 2006
Sam Faddis:
Protect environment without miring businesses in red tape
I believe we can have both a vibrant, dynamic, growing economy and a healthy environment.
The Chesapeake Bay is a perfect example of a resource, which needs to be preserved not only for its significant intrinsic value but also because of it enormous economic potential.
I believe the key to finding a balance between environmental and economic considerations is common sense and a focus on practical ways
in which to protect the environment without miring individuals and businesses in red tape and regulations, which kill jobs and strangle growth.
Source: 2018 Maryland Senate website SamFaddis.NationBuilder.com
Feb 3, 2016
Shawn Quinn:
Fight EPA regulatory over-reach
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Fight EPA regulatory over-reach"?
A: Support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
May 13, 2018
Wes Moore:
Will push back against Supreme Court ruling against EPA
Just hours after the Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency lacks authority to broadly regulate greenhouse gas emissions, Moore stood on the banks of the Patapsco River in Baltimore, surrounded by environmental leaders,
promising to take swift and bold action on climate change if elected. The justices, Moore said, "decided to back those who are violating our environmental protections, and I'm here to say that the state of Maryland is going to push back."
Source: Maryland Matters on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Jun 30, 2022
David Trone:
Supports EPA efforts to protect Chesapeake Bay
[On environmental protection]: "Protecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay is essential to Maryland's way of life and its local economies. Every year, billions of dollars in seafood revenue and tourism benefits hardworking Maryland families, and we
remain dedicated to ensuring that folks can continue to enjoy the Bay for generations," said Congressman Trone. "I look forward to working with the leadership of the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Foundation to further these efforts on the federal level."
Source: House press release on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Jul 28, 2022
Angela Alsobrooks:
Protect Chesapeake Bay, including additional funding
Environment : Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?- Angela Alsobrooks (D):
Tighten. As county executive, increased stormwater management to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Supports additional funding for Bay clean-up;
the Bay should be named a National Recreation Area. Expanded a countywide curbside composting program.
- Larry Hogan (R): Mixed. Signed a bill banning fracking in 2017. Opposed clean energy legislation in
2016 and 2022, though allowed the 2022 bill to become law without signing it. Proposed his own set of clean energy goals in 2019. Eased regulations on industrial poultry farm emissions.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Johnny Olszewski:
Voted YES on 25 new state wildlands areas
Legislative Summary: This Administration bill proposes the expansion of 14 wildland areas and the addition of 9 wildland areas under the State wildlands preservation system, resulting in an increase of approximately 21,887 acres.
The expansions and additions are located in Allegany, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Somerset, and Worcester counties. There are currently 29 separate wildlands designated, consisting of approximately 44,000 acres.
Generally, the wildland areas must be devoted to public purposes for recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use. Commercial enterprises and permanent roads, use of motorized equipment/vehicles/boats, and structures
are not allowed in the wildland areasLegislative Outcome: Passed Senate 47-0-0 on April 4; Del.Olszewski voted YES; passed House 101-35-5 on April 7; vetoed by Gov. O`Malley on May 15 as duplicative of HB 296, which he signed.
Source: Maryland legislative voting records: SB 336
Apr 4, 2014
Christopher Bouchat:
Eliminate obsolete Vehicles Emissions Inspection Program
have this program in place," Bouchat told WBAL-TV 11 News. "The vehicle emissions program is obsolete and antiquated, and we should completely eliminate that program to save the taxpayers money from the fees they have to pay."
A Maryland state delegate plans to introduce a bill to eliminate the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. Bouchat argues that modern car manufacturing has reduced emissions, making the program unnecessary. "A 90% pass rate. (There's) no real need to
Source: WBAL, "Antiquated," on 2026 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Oct 29, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026