Happy New Year!
As we embark on 2025, I am energized by the opportunities ahead and grateful for our progress together. Last year, we laid a strong foundation for Maryland’s climate and environmental future to reimagine our Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, reduce lead poisoning, improve recycling and improve public participation in our decision making.
I’m poised to move forward on new actions and new partnerships.
Here is what’s coming next in 2025:
Climate Action: Twenty-five state agencies recently released climate plans Governor Wes Moore called for in his June 2024 Climate Executive order. Addressing climate change is not just a problem for my agency to solve. All state governments must join forces for this common cause. These plans outline over 100 priorities, ranging from workforce development to electrifying vehicle fleets and diversifying our energy portfolio.
Chesapeake Bay: Governor Moore was re-elected to another term as chairman of the Chesapeake Executive Council, which includes governors from neighboring states and plays a critical role in Bay policy. He will work to protect public lands and make it easier and less expensive to get into agriculture, including aquaculture.
Smart Waste Solutions: We will continue building a circular economy, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, recycling, and composting materials and products and extending their life cycle. The Extended Producer Responsibility Council will continue to meet and propose ways that makers of products are stewards of their packaging from the point of creation to disposal or recycling.
Cleaner Transportation: We will provide assistance for electric school buses, expand charging infrastructure and support innovation that is happening right here in Maryland.
Operational Excellence: We will continue our efforts to modernize operations, including creating a more efficient permitting function.
This is a year to listen to Marylanders, work together, and deliver results that matter. From cleaner heating systems to better public transportation, we are creating a healthier, greener Maryland. That means clean air, water and land.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can make 2025 a year of action and meaningful change.
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