In the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, as stay-at-home orders took effect and more commuters worked from home or lost their jobs, air pollution dropped markedly in Maryland, according to a recent report from the University of Maryland and the state’s Department of the Environment.
Success, failure, mourning at close of Md. General Assembly
It was a bittersweet and busy day for Maryland legislators as they pushed to get their bills through both House and Senate chambers on Sine Die, the final day of the General Assembly on Monday.
Large Maryland public-private projects may face delay
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — The Maryland Board of Public Works would not be able to approve very large public-private joint projects in the state — including the governor’s planned highway widening project — until a credit check, environmental assessment and review…
Maryland legislature considers limits on the use of plastic straws in restaurants
The House Economic Matters Committee on Wednesday heard from both supporters and opponents of a bill that would severely limit the availability and use of plastic straws in restaurants starting in 2020.
Maryland taking steps aimed at addressing climate change
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – While the Trump administration’s report last month detailing the effects of rising global temperatures said Maryland had begun feeling the consequences of climate change, lawmakers and state agencies already are taking steps aimed at combating it. From…
Maryland hunters can soon wear pink, thanks to two sisters
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — Thanks to the work of two novice hunters — young sisters from the Eastern Shore — Maryland hunters may soon be allowed to wear bright pink safety gear. Before taking a hunter safety class in October 2016,…
Maryland could host the nation’s largest offshore wind farm
The Maryland Public Service Commission is considering two proposals for turbines off the coast of Ocean City, giving Maryland the potential to host the nation’s largest offshore wind farm.
Governor Hogan signs fracking ban into law
Governor Larry Hogan signs legislation to ban fracking on Tuesday, making Maryland the third state in the county to do so. The State Senate and House of Delegates overwhelmingly supported the ban before the bill hit the governor’s desk. The bill will go into effect on October 1st when a temporary ban on fracking expires.
Senate Dems push bills in time to override likely vetoes
Democrats in the Maryland Senate on Tuesday passed several pieces of legislation that are largely opposed by Gov. Larry Hogan, most notably a bill that would regulate the parameters for school evaluations and another that would require the state to fund Planned Parenthood should federal funding for that program be lost.
Bill may ban foam to-go carriers from food businesses in Md.
All expanded polystyrene products used for packaging food products, including foam carriers, could be banned from all Maryland food businesses if pending legislation is passed in the General Assembly this session.