Environment
We support programs aimed at achieving a cleaner, healthier environment and protecting and preserving the natural resources of Baltimore and Maryland. We seek to ensure environmental health and justice, recognizing that Black neighborhoods and low-income residents often bear disproportionate health burdens from environment pollution and benefit last from environmental technology and innovation.
Our environmental research reports and grantmaking focus on:
Blue Water Baltimore (BWB) plays an important citizen watchdog role in watershed protection and enhancement by delivering on its mission to strengthen communities, improve public health, and advance water quality improvements. The organization employs targeted advocacy to address adverse impacts of inadequate stormwater and wastewater systems through infrastructure improvements and deploys green infrastructure assets such as trees, bioswales, and rain gardens.
Ten years ago, Maryland’s legislature passed a bill to expedite utilities’ replacement of their natural gas pipes in the name of safety. Since then, Maryland has adopted ambitious climate goals that will require the near elimination of natural gas use in homes by 2045. Yet the state continues to allow utilities to invest billions in replacing pipes, which consumers will have to pay for — with a profit for the utilities — for decades to come.
The 2008 EmPOWER Maryland Act has helped the state make important strides in energy efficiency and affordability. In this report Maryland PIRG and the Frontier Group analyze its successes and suggest reforms to help it better meet Maryland’s evolving climate goals and the needs of residents.
Have questions or want to discuss your idea for the environment in Baltimore? Get in touch using the form below.
Header photo courtesy of Baltimore Green Space.