governor ribbon cuts solar panels
Protecting our Environment

And, to expand opportunity - the opportunity to learn and to earn; the opportunity to enjoy the health of the people we love, and to enjoy the health of the environment we love – to more people rather than fewer.


“God gives us not only the intellect and imagination to harness nature but the intellect and compassion to protect and conserve it.”

– One Maryland, Smart, Green & Growing, December 3, 2008

Governor O'Malley Joins Children in Cambridge to Announce 15 Maryland Smart Sites

Governor O'Malley Announces 'Smart Sites'

15 Projects across Maryland designated among first round

Governor Martin O’Malley announced 15 Maryland "Smart Site" projects across our state that have demonstrated a commitment to making investments that revitalize Maryland's tremendous business districts, transit hubs and neighborhoods to help our state achieve smarter growth.

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2009 Legislative Acomplishments

One Maryland: Smart, Green & Growing

  • Enacted the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, making Maryland a national leader in taking decisive actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2020 and working to create 100,000 green jobs Statewide.
  • Enacted Smart, Green, and Growing legislation calling for a sustainable approach to development in Maryland that promotes transit-oriented development, reliable local planning choices, and a clear understanding of the impact of development on our natural environment.
  • Fully funded Program Open Space for the third consecutive year and preserving more than 21,000 acres of our most vital natural landscape for future generations.

Governor O'Malley Joins Children to Announce the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights

“Maryland cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by… for our prosperity, for our current and future generations, and for the health of our State, which is so vulnerable to rising sea levels, we must take action on climate change now – not later. Maryland can’t afford to be left behind. We must commit to taking the actions necessary to protect our environment, our economy, and our citizens.”

– Greenhouse Gas Legislation Announcement, January 23, 2009