Land Preservation News

Two Dozen Maryland Lawmakers Advocate Strong Action in the Next Legislative Session

Annapolis – 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.

“We can expect a vigorous debate this session about growth issues,” said Environment Maryland State Director Brad Heavner.  “Many key legislators are tired of poking at the edges of growth policy and are ready to push for comprehensive reform.”

Many observers expect growth and development to be one of the biggest issues in the coming session of the Maryland General Assembly.  The principles released today call 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.

Legislators making statements upon the release of the list include the following:

Sen. David Harrington: “I strongly support smart growth policies as a way to revitalize our communities and protect valuable open space.”

Senator Paul G. Pinsky: “Smart growth and smart land planning are fundamental to the state’s environmental future.  Many of our existing problems, including the degradation of the Chesapeake Bay, can be traced to the lack of such a policy.”

Del. Maggie McIntosh: “I have supported and passed measures to strengthen Smart Growth in Maryland and will continue to do so. Requiring more public input by compelling a change in the comprehensive plan for major zoning variances at odds with the local plan would compel more public input before the decisions have been made, and could result in a fairer process.”

Del. Steve Schuh: “It is important that we support Smart Growth policies that assure development progresses in a responsible manner which protects the environment and quality of life of our citizens.  Northern Anne Arundel County, with its many miles of waterways and high population density, shoulders an exceptional responsibility in this regard.”

Del. Jeff Waldstreicher: “As a longtime champion of environmental protection, I am proud to endorse Environment Maryland's Smart Growth Platform. It is imperative that lawmakers use the housing market breather to pass ironclad restrictions on sprawl and protect Maryland’s natural resources for our children.”

Maryland Smart Growth Platform

Poorly planned development in Maryland has turned far too many farms and meadows into strip malls and parking lots.  Our rate of land development far outpaces the rate of population growth.  Valuable natural areas are at risk from the coming growth surge in the state.

As a state legislator, I recognize the need to reform the growth management laws in Maryland.  I endorse the following principles to improve state policy.

Local Comprehensive Plan Reform

Require local zoning to match comprehensive plans.  Restrict zoning variances by requiring revisions to the comprehensive plans, with widespread public participation, for proposals that are inconsistent with zoning.

Land Preservation

Require counties to have stronger rural zoning outside of Priority Funding Areas, especially in areas where the state has invested or intends to invest land preservation funds.  Clearly designate critical lands for preservation, and allow no more than one house per 20 acres in those areas.

Transportation

Require regional authorities to develop transportation plans that decrease per capita vehicle miles traveled 30 percent by 2035 and increase public transit ridership.

Endorsements:

Senators: Jim Brochin, Rob Garagiola, Lisa Gladden, David Harrington, Paul Pinsky

Delegates: Susan Aumann, Elizabeth Bobo, Bill Bronrott, Alfred Carr, Barbara Frush, Cheryl Glenn, Ana Sol Gutierrez, Guy Guzzone, Peter Hammen, Henry Heller, Marvin Holmes, Nicholaus Kipke, Roger Manno, Maggie McIntosh, Heather Mizeur, Justin  Ross, Steve Schuh, Shawn Tarrant, Jeff Waldstreicher