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MARYLAND ISSUES

Hogan Vetoes MTA Oversight Board

Governor Hogan vetoed legislation that would have created a citizen panel with oversight of the MTA. Most major transit agencies in the country have an oversight board that includes transit riders. Hogan derided the MTA oversight bill as "sophomoric."
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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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