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| A transit-heavy approach to development in Maryland would result in 740,000 tons less global warming pollution going into the atmosphere. This is equivalent to taking 140,000 of today's cars off the road. Promoting development near transit stations would also preserve forests and farmland throughout the state. | |
| Smart growth advocates gathered today in Salisbury to decry the haphazard and sometimes undemocratic way development decisions are made throughout Maryland. Environment Maryland released a report of case studies where citizen input and local voices have been drowned out in favor of developers and local officials making unilateral decisions. The report, titled “Contrary to Plan: Case Studies of Developments that Conflict with Local Growth Plans,” shows that throughout Maryland growth plans are routinely disregarded to cater to developers. | |
| Environment Maryland released a report today detailing land consumption trends in Maryland between 1970 and 2008. The report, titled, “Not So Smart: Land Consumption in Maryland after a Decade of Smart Growth,” shows that since the passage of Maryland’s nationally recognized smart growth laws in 1997, low density sprawl development continues to plague the state. | |
| A key legislative panel today heard arguments for the reauthorization of what some say is Maryland’s most effective smart growth tool. Environmental and redevelopment advocates touted the success of the program in the past and its future advantages. The improved Maryland Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit would renew incentives for developers and individuals to rehabilitate older buildings and historic areas. This redevelopment would reduce Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions, save our open space, and reduce the number of miles Marylanders have to drive. | |
| Environment Maryland today released a list of Maryland lawmakers who have endorsed a strict set of principles for smart growth legislation. Four senators and twenty delegates from throughout the state have made the endorsement, calling for reforming local growth plans, changing zoning designations to preserve rural land, and offering transportation choices so that people can be less dependent on cars. | |
| A coalition of smart growth groups today released nearly seven thousand petition signatures calling for stronger smart growth laws. These signatures, collected from all over the state, demonstrate the broad public support for improved laws addressing development in Maryland. The petition calls for officials to give local comprehensive growth plans the same authority as zoning ordinances. | |
| Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center released its new report, “Our Natural Heritage at Risk: Threats Facing Seven of Maryland’s Most Special Places.†| |
