Transforming Promises into Action: Uniting for a Healthier Chesapeake Bay – Maryland Matters

Governor Wes Moore and Maryland’s legislative leaders have a tough job ahead in the 2025 General Assembly session. They need to tackle ambitious environmental goals while also dealing with a $3 billion budget shortfall.

Recently, the Maryland Department of the Environment shared its new climate plan. This plan lays out 100 priority actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions and move towards a green economy.

Before this, the governor was re-elected to lead the Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council. He also expressed his commitment to cleaning the Bay and plans to introduce a “Bay legacy bill.” This bill will focus on important areas like oyster aquaculture, regenerative agriculture, water monitoring, and streamlining environmental project approvals.

These goals sound great, but real progress requires strong and consistent action.

With budget challenges and changes in federal environmental policies, it’s crucial that Maryland prioritizes funding for the Bay and its natural resources. Historically, during tight budget years, funding for environmental programs gets cut. This could threaten the progress we’ve made in cleaning the Bay and addressing climate change.

Investing in clean water and air benefits all Marylanders. Programs like the Bay Restoration Fund and the Agricultural Cost Share Program (MACS) play vital roles in maintaining a healthy environment and a strong economy.

For instance, reducing nutrient runoff from farms is a key method to improve the Bay’s health. Every dollar spent on conservation can bring back about $1.75 to the economy. Many farmers benefit from MACS, which helps them use environmentally friendly practices that maintain soil health and support sustainable agriculture.

Thanks to MACS, we’ve made significant strides in lowering pollution in our rivers and streams. Fully funding these farm pollution-reduction programs could pump $655 million annually into the local economy, according to the CBF’s 2022 Farm Forward Report. These practices not only benefit the Bay but also support local food production for many Marylanders facing food insecurity.

Maryland’s oyster populations are also crucial for improving water quality and supporting a significant local industry. The seafood sector contributes nearly $600 million to Maryland’s economy each year, with oyster aquaculture adding about $13.3 million in 2023 alone. The industry is growing rapidly, with increased harvests each year and plenty of room for future growth with the right support.

The MDE’s climate plan aims to enhance environmental, economic, and human health benefits for all Marylanders. Clean air and water can lead to better public health and reduced healthcare costs. Poor air quality, especially from coal-fired plants, is linked to thousands of heart attacks and costly conditions like asthma.

As MDE targets a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031 and aims for 100% clean energy by 2035, these efforts could greatly improve air quality and public health.

Many difficult budget choices are ahead, but investing in solutions like oyster recovery and climate resilience is critical. This isn’t just good for the Bay and our communities; it makes financial sense too.