Hogan's soft line on fossil fuels
The Hogan administration recently announced the approval of a Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways permit for a fracked gas pipeline that would slice through Western Maryland and waived its right to perform a full, independent review of the pipeline under the Clean Water Act. The proposed “Potomac pipeline” is a project of TransCanada — the same company that is behind the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline — and would drill under the Potomac River, one of our state’s most important natural resources.
Is this how our state wants to respond to dangerous climate change and transition Maryland away from fossil fuels?
There appears to be a troubling trend toward leniency for fossil fuels in the state.
The author, Shane Robinson, introduced House Bill 1826, emergency legislation that would require MDE to conduct a full, independent analysis of pipeline projects proposed in sensitive geology and not allow the agency to voluntary waive its right to conduct such an analysis. In order to rectify MDE’s failure, the bill also requires the state to deny without prejudice the current application of the Potomac pipeline and go back to conduct a full 401 review should TransCanada wish to move forward. This is what Marylanders want and what they deserve.
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Governor Hogan Vetoed The Paid Sick Leave Bill
Governor Hogan’s decision to deny hardworking Marylanders the ability to take time to care for their families is nothing short of heartless. Make no mistake – the victims of this decision are Maryland parents and children. Instead of being able to take the time they need to care for their families, these Marylanders will continue to be forced to make decisions like taking off work to visit their sick child in the hospital or paying the rent that month. The Governor has also turned his back on Maryland businesses, who could have had eight months to implement this smart policy, which will reduce turnover and enhance the health of their workplace.
"He just vetoed sick leave for 700,000 Marylanders who are trying to work their way out of poverty," the Baltimore Democrat. Delegate Luke Clippinger, said.
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Transportation, air quality, BaltimoreLink, and the cancellation of the Red Line are interconnected
Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gases and air pollution. According to a 2016 report from the Maryland Department of the Environment, 36% of the total greenhouse gases produced in Maryland come from transportation.
A fleet built on diesel technology is harmful to human health.
These new diesel buses will further increase noxious exhaust gases and particulate emissions for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, drivers, and residents on every bus route, as well as increase the bus system’s emission of greenhouse gases. This is disappointing when hybrid technology is proven to reduce not only greenhouse gases but also other gases and particulate matter that are linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and asthma.
BaltimoreLink will concentrate air emissions and worsen local air quality.
BaltimoreLink is designed to increase the frequency and concentration of diesel buses in the downtown core, which will have the effect of concentrating emissions in the area with the most pedestrians and cyclists on the streets and the least dispersion of air through wind, leading to worse local air quality for thousands of Baltimore residents and workers. This is especially concerning when we compare the BaltimoreLink to the Red Line Light Rail Project (Red Line), which would have been electric and therefore would have reduced air pollution - in East Baltimore, West Baltimore, and the downtown core.
BaltimoreLink will concentrate air emissions and worsen local air quality.
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Hogan's Lexus Lane Plan: Bad for Drivers, Transit Riders & Taxpayers
From the Maryland Transit Opportunities Coalition (MTOC)
The Lexus lane plan proposed by Governor Larry Hogan yesterday (September 21, 2017) offers no help to travelers stuck in traffic jams while promising exorbitant tolls and higher taxes.
"The cost of this plan will be many times higher than the $9 billion number that was thrown out yesterday," MTOC chair Ben Ross said. "Last year Governor Hogan's own transportation secretary told us that just one piece of the plan -- I-270 north of Shady Grove and the American Legion Bridge -- would cost more than $8 billion by itself.
When the State Highway Administration last studied this idea in 2004, it determined that some or all of the new lanes would have to be elevated above the existing highway. And most Montgomery and Prince George's commuters wouldn't be able to use them even if they could afford the high tolls. Drivers would be allowed to enter the Lexus lanes only at a few exits -- flyover ramps are much too expensive to build at every interchange.
"Few drivers will pay the high tolls," commented MTOC vice-chair Sharonlee Vogel of Howard County, "and the taxpayers will be stuck with the bills. Bus riders and Chevy drivers will pay for Lexus lanes."
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Hogan withdrew power plant clean air regulations.
Days after taking office, Governor Hogan blocked, and eventually gutted, previously-adopted and finalized air quality improvement regulations for the state. The Governor’s replacement instead allowed some of Maryland’s coal plants to avoid installation of modern smokestack controls for smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution. This summer, twelve Maryland Counties, covering over 88 percent of Maryland’s population, were designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency in non-attainment with the health-based 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
