The Maryland Department of Legislative Services’ proposed funding cuts to the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Maryland Energy Administration would impact every part of our state and put us behind on our environmental and conservation goals
What is on the Line?
The Maryland state budget shortfall has been a heated topic of conversation this General Assembly, and unfortunately, the proposed solutions are more dire than we first realized. Integral conservation funding is now on the chopping block with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Maryland Energy Administration carrying a disproportionate share of the proposed cuts.
Maryland’s Department of Legislative Services (DLS) is recommending to the General Assembly to cut ALL funding to Program Open Space and The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund for the next four years. This is not a tightening of belts; this is a backslide that threatens our climate resilience as a state.
Program Open Space
Program Open Space (POS) is a .05% tax levied when a person buys property. This was designed to directly tie development to available funding for open space and recreational facilities for the public good. This devastating decision would waylay parks, playgrounds, and restoration projects. Failing to fund POS would cripple necessary land conservation efforts like Rural Legacy, Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation, and Program Open Space. These programs preserve large blocks of contiguous agricultural lands, protect forests, conserve ecologically sensitive areas, and secure park lands for
public access and recreation.
Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund
The Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Trust Fund) is primarily funded by taxes on gasoline and rental cars. The Fund supports important statewide projects like stormwater management improvements, agricultural best management practices, living shorelines, buffer plantings, green infrastructure, and other climate resiliency projects. These projects provide important water-quality benefits that help reduce run-off, restore wildlife and aquatic habitats, sequester carbon, and protect communities from extreme weather events.
We Need You
We need to apply as much pressure as possible on our legislators, with emphasis on the Budget and Taxation Committee and Appropriations Committee. Use our form below to contact your General Assembly Representatives.
The message? Reject the Department of Legislative Services’ (DLS) budget and support the Governor’s budget, which already cuts funds in deference to the many state budgetary needs. The DLS-proposed funding loss would negatively impact our communities, our landscape, and our wildlife — all things that improve the lives of all Marylanders. We cannot afford to abandon Maryland’s efforts toward climate resiliency.
At a time of so much uncertainty in our region, we understand the need for fiscal responsibility. However, the economic benefits of improving our natural infrastructure are immense. Businesses and people alike move to our region when we have green space, natural amenities, and the improved quality of life those resources foster. Home values increase when we have beautiful parks and recreational areas. Residents are happier when they have affordable and accessible opportunities to experience and enjoy nature. Lives and property are protected when we enhance our climate resilience.
If you would like to use social media to amplify your voice, here is a social media toolkit.
