Maryland is already the fifth most densely populated state. Yet in the next 24 years our population is projected to grow by another 1.5 million people. We need a plan for how and where to put new residents, so that growth occurs in harmony with our environment and our quality of life.
Environment Maryland is working to protect our open spaces and control the voracious rate of growth. The state must revitalize two leading programs, Program Open Space, which protects our farms, forests, and parks, and Smart Growth, which directs development inside or near existing infrastructure. A renewed commitment to these programs will enable Maryland to provide sensible, sustainable growth.