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:
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.
The Baltimore Tree Trust (BTT) was formed in 2009 by a group of residents committed to restoring the urban forest through tree plantings, community education, and stewardship. Since 2011, the Abell Foundation has provided support for operations and equipment to grow the capacity of BTT to work with community partners in neighborhoods lacking in tree cover, and to train job-seeking unemployed and underemployed adults in landscaping and forestry. As of January 2022, BTT has planted and maintained 15,000 trees in Baltimore City.
Maryland is no longer a leader among states in implementing policies and programs to avoid the most serious environmental and public health consequences of a rapidly changing climate.
This Abell Report explains how Massachusetts eclipsed Maryland and identifies key characteristics of successful leadership to accelerate state actions in Maryland.
Have questions or want to discuss your idea for the environment in Baltimore? Get in touch using the form below.
Header photo courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Foundation.