A new day is dawning in Chesapeake Bay, but it’s a cold, frigid morning in January 2025. In the middle of a climate crisis, the federal government’s recent actions—particularly from President Trump—are not helping protect the planet. Instead, they are pushing the country backward. His new orders to increase fossil fuel use and reduce clean energy mandates are a threat to the environment and public health.
However, here in Maryland, we don’t have to follow the federal government’s poor example. Instead, we can be leaders in tackling climate change, making sure our economy stays strong, and taking care of our people. But we need to act fast and make the right choices, especially as the state faces a serious budget crisis.
Climate Change is Hurting Maryland
Maryland is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and extreme heat are making life harder in many parts of the state. For example, areas like Baltimore and St. Mary’s County have already spent millions to improve their stormwater systems as heavy rainfall becomes more common. In Annapolis, officials have set aside $84 million to protect the city from rising tides. And across Maryland, we need billions more to protect communities and switch to clean energy.
At the same time, the state is facing a budget crisis. The government may be forced to make cuts to essential services or increase taxes, hitting hard-working Marylanders with even more financial strain. However, the state can do better than relying on taxpayers to foot the bill. The solution lies in making big corporations, particularly those responsible for polluting the planet, pay for the damages they have caused.
How Can Maryland Fight Back?
Even though the federal government is failing to lead on climate change, Maryland can take bold steps to address the problem and hold polluters accountable. The state has a real opportunity to lead the way with three key pieces of legislation.
- The RENEW Act (HB128): This bill would create a fund for climate resilience projects, financed by fossil fuel companies. Other states like Vermont and New York have already passed similar laws, and Maryland could raise $9 billion to help fund necessary infrastructure and clean energy projects.
- The Climate Lawsuit Authority (HB340): This bill allows Maryland to take fossil fuel companies to court for the harm they’ve caused to the environment. Similar lawsuits in other states have already secured huge settlements, with billions being redirected to climate solutions.
- Coal Fee Legislation: Another important bill proposed by Speaker Pro Tem Dana Stein will charge a fee on coal transportation. The money collected from this fee could be used to support renewable energy projects and public health programs in communities that are hurt by coal pollution.
Why These Bills Matter
Some critics claim that holding fossil fuel companies accountable will hurt Maryland’s economy. But the truth is, it will help the state. By investing in clean energy, climate resilience, and public health, Maryland can create thousands of new, good-paying jobs. These investments will lower energy costs, improve air quality, and attract businesses and residents who want to live in a sustainable state.
Furthermore, making polluters pay for the damage they’ve caused will reduce the financial burden on regular Marylanders. Instead of relying on taxpayers to fund expensive emergency repairs or environmental cleanup, the state can use money from fossil fuel companies to prevent future problems and invest in innovation.
It’s a model that has worked with other industries. Just like how tobacco companies were made to pay for the damage they caused, and opioid manufacturers were held responsible for the addiction crisis, fossil fuel companies should be made to pay for their impact on the planet.
Maryland’s Climate Leadership
Maryland has already made great strides in the fight against climate change. Since 2006, the state has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. But these efforts cannot stop now. The federal government is not offering the support needed to protect our communities. It’s up to Maryland to step up and take action.
By passing the RENEW Act, HB340, and the coal fee legislation, Maryland can be a model for the entire nation. These bills will not only hold polluters accountable but also ensure that Maryland remains a strong, resilient state in the face of climate change. This is about securing a better future for our families, our communities, and our environment.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
