Maryland’s Waterkeepers span the Eastern Shore to the Baltimore region to upper reaches of the Potomac River. They work tirelessly in the rural, suburban and urban communities to ensure their right to clean water is protected. Each year, they work on legislation to further the goals of access to clean water, government transparency, and strengthening of Maryland’s clean water and environmental justice laws. In addition, especially in this fiscally challenging year, they advocate for adequate funding for Maryland’s environmental agencies and programs. They are pleased to share their 2025 legislative priorities:
SB732/HB909 – Protecting Water, Food & Lands from Toxic PFAS: Biosolids are the solid waste, or sludge, produced during the treatment of municipal, human, and industrial wastewater, and is used as fertilizer on farmlands. Unfortunately, biosolids contain toxic PFAS that runs off farm fields and filters into groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources. PFAS also bioaccumulates in fish and wildlife, and is stored in milk, fruits and vegetables. Sen. Sara Love and Del. Dana Stein introduced SB732 & HB909 to establish a limit for PFAS in biosolids and require testing before it’s spread on farm fields. More info here. Contact: robin@waterkeeperschesapeake.org
SB898/HB1175 – Nearshore Farming & Finance: State agricultural cost share programs are a powerful tool to more effectively prioritize BMP implementation in nearshore areas for the greatest water quality benefits at minimal loss to productive farmland. Trees near tidal water are six times more effective at reducing delivery of nitrogen to the Bay than trees in upland areas. Sen. Sara Love and Del. Dana Stein introduced SB898 & HB1175 to increase nutrient application setbacks on agricultural land bordering tidal waters, prioritize conservation efforts within the riparian buffer, and offer farmers increased incentives for their ecosystem services rendered in these environmentally sensitive areas. Contact: annie@shorerivers.org
SB346/HB232 – Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program: Bottle trash, particularly plastic, is a pervasive blight in our waterways, posing a serious threat to the environment, aquatic life, and human health. As plastic breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics, they bioaccumulate in our bodies through the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat. Sen. Brooks and Del. Terrasa introduced SB346 & HB232 to establish a beverage container deposit program, a common-sense and proven strategy to reduce litter, increase recycling rates, and incentivize environmental stewardship. Bottle deposit programs work in partnership with extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs. Contact: bjohnson@bluewaterbaltimore.org
SB245/HB902 – Coal Ash Cleanup and Accountability Act: Coal ash is a toxic byproduct of burning coal for power generation. It contains hazardous substances such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and chromium. There are over 70 coal ash disposal sites across Maryland, amounting to more than 50 million tons of coal ash waste. Many of these sites continue to pollute our environment and waterways, particularly in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. Sen. Michael Jackson and Del. Mary Lehman introduced SB245 & HB902 to ensure proper cleanup of toxic coal ash sites, prevent further groundwater contamination, protect vulnerable communities, establish independent state oversight, and reform the fee structure, which will generate an estimated $3.2 million annually to cover ongoing enforcement and remediation efforts. Contact: betsy@prknetwork.org.
Maryland’s Budget: We respect the challenge of addressing the projected $2.9 billion deficit, recognizing that we all must play a part in reaching a balanced budget. We urge you to oppose the Department of Legislative Services’ (DLS) recommended cuts to programs in MDE, DNR, MDA, and MEA that would put programs we all care about and rely on in jeopardy, not just for FY 2026, but permanently. Very concerning is the DLS recommended severe cuts to DNR for the 2026-29 fiscal years, with most of the reduction coming from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Fund, and Program Open Space and related land preservation programs. We can’t abruptly stop or pause investments in clean water and air – which are investments in Marylanders’ health, communities and jobs. State investments in wastewater treatment, agricultural buffers, green infrastructure, and oyster restoration have paid dividends in clean water and healthy environments, and helped grow Maryland’s economy. With the severe cuts in federal programs, it is more important than ever to not cut state investments that benefit Marylanders today and into the future. Contact: elle@arundelrivers.org
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