Press Releases

Maryland Leading the Nation in Transportation Efforts:

 

Smart, fair and flexible growth bill passes House

Leaders in the environment, housing and faith-based communities today hailed House passage of legislation to better manage runaway development in the state, calling it a foothold for meaningful smart growth in Maryland.

Environmental Summit Draws Broad Support for Green Agenda

 

Making the Case for Open Space

Partners for Open Space released a report, “The Case for Open Space,” which documents that land conservation funds are needed now more than ever at both the state and local levels.

Diverse coalition backs measure to enhance growth laws

Legislation to set and enforce standards for Maryland’s Smart Growth program was introduced with wide support from leaders in the environment, affordable housing and faith communities.

Where Does Your Thanksgiving Dinner Come From?

A new study released today by 1000 Friends of Maryland found that just 48% of the foods commonly found on a Thanksgiving table are grown locally.

Smart Growth Advocates Prepare for Battle

Advocates from 1000 Friends of Maryland are ready for a fight this legislative session. The enemy? The high costs and increased pollution from sprawling development.

Press Releases

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Bold Steps Towards Smart Growth and Clean Water

The 2012 legislative session took important steps towards cleaner local waters and protected rural lands.

TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CREATE JOBS, SPEND MARYLAND’S DOLLARS MORE WISELY

 

Two-thirds of Maryland Voters Support Bay Restoration Fund Increase; Large Majority of Voters – Even in Rural Areas – Support Restrictions on Septics

Demonstrating strong support for improving Maryland waterways even in difficult economic times, nearly two-thirds of Maryland voters support increasing the Bay Restoration Fund, currently funded through an annual $30 household fee, and large majorities believe the State should actively manage growth and restrict septic systems, according to a poll released today.

Conservation Organizations Evaluate Maryland Counties’ Clean Water Plans

 

As Maryland Submits its Clean Water Plan to the EPA, Many County Plans Show Much Work to be Done before July

(Annapolis, MD) – With Maryland due to release its draft State-wide Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan today, as required by the Environmental Protection Agency, a coalition of conservation organizations expressed concern about the weak or incomplete pollution reduction plans submitted by many local governments. However, advocates stress that local governments still have time to produce strong clean water plans before the July 2012 final deadline.

Forum tackles twin challenges of transportation and sprawl

Better coordination of land use and transportation policies and greater accountability in transportation investments are critical to solving Maryland’s challenges with both growth and transportation, according to participants at a forum held Thursday April 2 in Baltimore by 1000 Friends of Maryland.

Keeping Farmers Farming

 

New Maryland Transportation Coalition Announces 120-Day Analysis Of Stimulus Funding, Campaign To Reauthorize Federal Law

Standing at the site of a creative use of federal transportation stimulus funds – tearing down the elevated stub of the destructive “Highway to Nowhere” in West Baltimore – transportation experts from a diverse set of organizations praised how Maryland spent its stimulus dollars but said that there is much more to be done.

Elected Officials, Business Owners, and Recreational Fisherman Make Case for Stormwater Utility Fee

Elected officials, business owners, fishermen, and other advocates will testify before the Senate Education Health and Environmental Affairs committee today in favor of Senate Bill 614 (House Bill 987), which would require counties and cities to collect fees to reduce the rising source of polluted stormwater runoff. Contaminated stormwater has caused State and local officials to advise residents not to come into contact with creeks, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay for two days after a heavy rainstorm, due to serious health risks; it also causes costly flooding and erosion damage. However, the State has no dedicated revenue to meet this challenge. Studies show fixing the problem could create 36,000 jobs in Maryland in the next five years.