May 23, 2025 Note from the Executive Director, Kim Coble
Recently, Governor Moore vetoed several environmental bills that passed with strong bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session. This decision undermines Maryland’s environmental progress. It is especially disappointing at a time when federal climate funding and infrastructure are being dismantled.
As Maryland’s environmental watchdog, we want to keep you informed about these decisions and what they mean for our state’s climate action. The future work for Maryland’s environment just became more challenging. Read our full press statement, issued with partner organizations, here.
What Was Vetoed: The Governor vetoed three environmental studies that would have provided necessary data for Maryland’s environmental and energy planning;
- Responding to Emergency Needs From Extreme Weather (RENEW) Act of 2025 (SB149 / HB128) – Would have commissioned a study to assess the true cost of greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland, to provide data on the impact of climate change in Maryland, and set the stage for polluter accountability
- Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act (SB909 / HB1037) – Would have created comprehensive planning for Maryland’s energy future to prevent a true energy crisis and unnecessary rate increases
- Data Center Impact Analysis and Report (SB116 / HB270) – Would have evaluated the environmental and economic impacts of data centers and provided critical information to guide the industry’s development in Maryland
Read more about the Governor’s vetoes here:
- Governor announces intention to veto more than 20 bills (WMAR) https://www.wmar2news.com/infocus/governor-announces-intention-to-veto-more-than-20-bills
- How much has climate change cost Maryland? Gov. Moore vetoed a bill to find out (Baltimore Banner): https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/climate-change-bill-wes-moore-veto-VROWJU6WMBGRXE75XLMRTB36RU/
- Despite backlash, more states are considering laws to make Big Oil pay for climate change (Grist.org) https://grist.org/accountability/climate-superfund-law-maryland-california-vermont-new-york-trump-lawsuits/
- Gov. Moore Breaks Climate Promises With Veto of Essential Environmental Studies (Montgomery County Sentinel)
https://www.thesentinel.com/communities/gov-moore-breaks-climate-promises-with-veto-of-essential-environmental-studies/article_baefb838-88da-4ab5-b3ba-a1d706fd8a1e.html
Maryland LCV is continuing our role in holding our elected officials accountable for their actions, ensuring a healthy environment for everyone in Maryland. We are currently preparing our annual legislative Environmental Scorecard and our biennial Governor’s Report card, both essential tools for holding elected officials accountable for their actions on Maryland’s environment. Stay tuned for their release in the coming weeks. You can also peruse our archive scorecards and report cards here.
Starting on May 28, it’s the first Conservation Conversation, a new webinar lunch-and-learn series where we will explore environmental and conservation issues facing our state. Register and join us on May 28!
For clean water, healthy air, and climate-resilient communities,
Kim Coble