April 10th marked the end of the 2023 Maryland General Assembly. We are excited to report that ALL of Nature Forward’s MDG23 priority bills passed and are now waiting for the Governor’s approval!
Thank you all for your support in sending letters, talking with legislators, and advocating for a healthier, safer, and climate resilient environment for everyone.
A special thanks to a team of volunteers who helped us analyze legislation, write and deliver testimony, draft action alerts, and track bills’ progress through the General Assembly: Anne Cottingham, Debra Street, Anne DeNovo, and Ilisa Tawney.
Here are some highlights from this year’s MDGA23!
Improved Forest Conservation Act
SB526 / HB723 – Natural Resources – Forest Preservation and Retention
This legislation will:
- Increase forest coverage across Maryland.
- Increase replanting requirements for developers.
- Provide local governments the flexibility to reach no net loss.
Big thank yous from Nature Forward to @SaraLove4MD and @SenatorSarah for your work on this crucial bill!
Maryland the Beautiful Act
SB470 / HB631– Natural Resources – Land Conservation – Establishment of Goals and Programs
This legislation will:
- Set a statewide goal to conserve 30% of MD by 2030 and 40% by 2040.
- Establish a loan program where land trusts can use to secure land protection.
- Monitoring and stewardship funds also included in legislation.
Thank you to @SenatorSarah and @DelDanaStein for championing this amazing bill!
Greenspace Equity Act
SB923 / HB503 – Natural Resources – Greenspace Equity Program – Establishment
This legislation will:
- Create a new grant program called “Greenspace Equity Program” to fund and improve new and existing greenspaces.
- Funds would be targeted to help underserved or overburdened communities in MD.
ALL OUR WINS
- SB526 / HB723 – Natural Resources – Forest Preservation and Retention
- SB923 / HB503 – Natural Resources – Greenspace Equity Program – Establishment
- SB470 / HB631– Natural Resources – Land Conservation – Establishment of Goals and Programs (Maryland the Beautiful Act)
- SB0158 / HB319 – PFAS Testing – Requirements
- SB92 / HB06 – Department of General Services – Energy–Conserving Standards (Maryland Sustainable Buildings Act of 2023)
- SB62 / HB62 Land Use – Public Service Companies – Pollinator-Friendly Vegetation Management
- SB613 / HB908 Electricity – Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program
- SB19 / HB09 Equity in Transportation Sector – Guidelines and Analyses
