Playing Politics with the Bay

In 2007 Marylanders, like YOU, fought hard to pass the Stormwater Management Act. This law addresses one of the root causes for our ailing bay, rainwater that washes over hard surfaces like parking lots, carrying pollution into the Chesapeake Bay.

Stormwater management has become a huge issue during the Maryland 2010 General Assembly Session. The Maryland League of Conservation Voters has worked with the environmental community this session to try and avoid legislation that would significantly rollback the 2007 Stormwater Management Act. To address a finite number of concerns, legislators convened a meeting of stakeholders including Maryland Department of the Environment, local government officials, developers, and environmentalists, to work out a compromise that would both provide some certainty for developers who are playing by the rules and a firm deadline by which all new construction projects would have to meet the new regulations.

We opposed HB 1125, legislation that would have gutted the 2007 Stormwater Management Act, as it was originally introduced as Delegate Holmes. However, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters does not have a position on HB 1125 as it was amended to match the compromise. The Maryland League of Conservation voters supported the compromise agreement being adopted as emergency regulations as we believe it adds some flexibility for developers but it does not change the water quality-treatment standards. If you have questions please contact Deputy Director Jen Brock-Cancellier at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .