March 18, 2019
Breaking: MD House passes bill to slow down highway expansion
Earlier tonight, March 18, the MD House of Delegates passed HB 1091, a bill that would require Maryland to thoroughly review the environmental impacts of major transportation proposals before it locks in an "public-private partnership" agreement to build and finance projects, including the expansion of Maryland's highways.
The bill, HB 1091, by Delegate Jared Solomon, as amended, would
- require an independent credit audit
- require completion of environmental impact study before the state signs a P3 contract
- extends the review period for legislative leadership to review proposals
- and more...
Josh Tulkin, Director of the Maryland Sierra Club stated:
"This is fantastic news for our environment and our health. Transportation is the number one source of climate pollution and premature deaths related to air pollution. We shouldn't be rushing into plans, such as Governor Hogan's massive highway expansion proposal without understanding how these plans would impact our air, water, and climate for generations.
We also want to recognize the work of Citizens Against Beltway Expansion, Don'tWiden270.org, and all of the other groups drawing attention to the environmental, health, and community threats posed by highway expansion."