|
Edition #27  |  December 2025 |
|
PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Governor Moore joins European Union Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė for the first-ever Circular Economy Forum in Annapolis.
|
|
|
2025 has been a great year for the environment. We have made progress on advancing climate action, improving water infrastructure and protecting the Chesapeake Bay. What does it all mean? Stronger communities, cleaner land, water and air, and economic opportunity.
As we reflect on the ground we covered this year, I’m proud to highlight three major accomplishments that exemplify this progress:
-
Conowingo Dam Settlement: We finalized a landmark agreement with Constellation Energy, securing over $340 million for water quality improvements, debris removal, and aquatic habitat restoration in the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. This deal balances clean energy with meaningful environmental protection—proof that smart, collaborative solutions work.
-
Environmental Justice: Governor Moore signed the Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion, and Community Equity (VOICE) Executive Order to establish a unified, whole-of-government approach for promoting environmental justice across Maryland. The order requires state agencies to designate environmental justice officers and publish biennial strategic plans with metrics, fostering meaningful engagement with communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.
-
Statewide Stormwater Permit: We issued a five-year discharge permit for the Maryland Department of Transportation, expanding its restoration obligations by nearly 40% to over 4,000 impervious acres. Supported by $216 million in funding, this action promotes climate resilience and clean water goals by focusing on green infrastructure like stream restoration and tree planting.
These accomplishments show what we can achieve when we combine science, policy, and community-focused action. I’m inspired by the dedication of our team and our partners across the state. Together, we are proving that environmental protection, economic growth, and climate leadership go hand in hand.
Let’s keep this momentum going. There’s still much to do, and I’m confident we will rise to the challenge.Â
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
|
|
|
CENTURY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS RECYCING SCULPTURE CONTEST |
|
Students from across Maryland participated in the “rethink recycling” sculpture contest by creating art made from reusable materials. Fifty artists from 14 high schools across the state and one 4-H club participated this year. Sculptures were made of plastic bags, scrap metal, soda cans, computer parts, old shoes and clothing. Take a look at the entries on our social media channels. MORE |
|
MARYLAND TAKES THE STAGE AT COP30 LOCAL LEADERS FORUM IN BRAZIL |
|
The COP30 Local Leaders Forum, co-hosted by the COP30 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies, spotlights local climate solutions and fosters partnerships to advance a unified subnational climate agenda. This year mayors, governors, and regional officials from around the world attended to highlight how local action is driving global climate progress. MORE |
|
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS PERMIT CONCLUDE |
|
Our draft permit for animal feeding operations, which is still open for public comment through the end of the year, is designed to balance the needs of Maryland’s agricultural industry with the health of the Chesapeake Bay. This permit sets conditions and requires comprehensive nutrient management plans for large livestock operations to prevent pollution and reflects input gathered from farmers and advocates. MORE |
|
VIDEO OF THE MONTH: Find out how we are promoting electric vehicle adoption.
>>> WATCH VIDEO |
|
|
POST OF THE MONTH: Meet the winners of the “Rethink Recycling” sculpture contest
>>> VIEW POST
|
|
|
|
