2023 Maryland Legislative Session
In Maryland, we are working with other environmental organizations to support legislation focused on sustainable building requirements, land conservatio,n and renewable energy These bills are all moving forward in the House and Senate senate environmental committees:
Maryland Sustainable Buildings Act (HB6/SB92) – Also known as the Bird Safe Buildings Act, this bill would require buildings receiving 50% public funding in MD to meet the LEED Innovation Credit for Bird Friendly design, preventing bird collisions, and conserving building energy usage.
Maryland 30 x 30 – Keep Maryland Beautiful (SB470) – This legislation would reserve/conserve/protect 30 percent of land area of Maryland by 2030 and 40% by 2040. There is a companion bill focused on Greenspace Equity (HB503). Both bills will protect bird habitat and make sure Marylanders have access to open space in their communities.
Forest Conservation Act (SB526) – This bill will strengthening Maryland’s Forest Conservation act to preserve and retain forests in Maryland.
Make Community Solar Permanent (HB908/SB613) – This proposed legislation would make permanent a community solar pilot project, with the goal of incentivizing access to renewable energy by low- and moderate-income residents. There are companion bills incentivizing siting of solar arrays on already disturbed land rather than important natural habitat, as well as advancing renewable energy is the best way to reduce threats birds face due to climate change.
Stay tuned for ways that you can advocate for these priorities over the next several weeks.
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