FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Maryland League of Conservation Voters to Recognize Legislative Leaders Who Protected Environmental Priorities
Senate Budget Chair Guy Guzzone and House Appropriations Chair Ben Barnes to be recognized as 2025 Legislators of the Year
The Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) will present its 2025 Legislators of the Year awards to Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Chair Guy Guzzone (District 13) and House Appropriations Committee Chair Ben Barnes (District 21) as part of its Changemakers: Celebrating Environmental Leaders event on September 18, 2025.
The awards recognize the leadership of both committee chairs, along with their subcommittee chairs Senator Michael Jackson and Delegate Courtney Watson, in protecting environmental priorities during one of the most challenging budget years in Maryland’s recent history.
“Chair Guzzone and Chair Barnes demonstrated exceptional leadership during an extraordinarily difficult budget year,” said Kim Coble, Executive Director of Maryland LCV. “Despite facing a historic $3 billion shortfall, they remained committed to hearing our requests and working with us to preserve critical environmental programs. While funds directed to environmental agencies and programs were cut, leadership from Chair Guzzone and Chair Barnes helped ensure that essential investments in clean energy, Chesapeake Bay restoration, and other environmental priorities could continue serving Maryland communities.”
Despite fiscal constraints, the budget committee leadership preserved $100 million in capital funding for clean energy projects at public schools and state facilities, maintained core funding for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coast Bays Restoration Fund, and protected other key conservation initiatives from deeper cuts.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition from Maryland LCV. Even in a challenging budget year, we remained committed to protecting Maryland’s environmental priorities and ensuring critical programs and clean energy investments could continue serving our communities,” said Senator Guy Guzzone, Chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. “This award reflects our shared commitment to environmental stewardship during difficult fiscal times. Maryland LCV’s advocacy makes a real difference in our legislative process. I’m grateful for this recognition and proud that we could protect key environmental investments even while addressing a historic budget shortfall.”
“I’m honored to be named as LCV’s Legislator of the Year along with Senator Guzzone,” said Delegate Ben Barnes, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “This recognition reflects our shared commitment to protecting Maryland’s environment and building a more sustainable future for all.”
The 2025 legislative session forced difficult choices across state priorities. Environmental programs faced budget cuts, but the collaborative approach of the budget committee and subcommittee leadership helped minimize damage to Maryland’s environmental commitments.
“The budget will continue to be a key item in our policy agenda moving forward,” said Coble. “We’re grateful for leaders including Chair Guzzone and Chair Barnes who understand that environmental protection and fiscal responsibility must go hand in hand, especially during challenging times.”
Join Maryland LCV in honoring the 2025 Legislators of the Year at Changemakers: Celebrating Environmental Leaders on Thursday, September 18 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm at the University of Maryland College Park, Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.mdlcv.org/changemakers.
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About Changemakers Changemakers: Celebrating Environmental Leaders is Maryland LCV’s signature event that brings together 400 of Maryland’s most influential elected officials, business leaders, non-profit partners, and environmental advocates for an inspiring program, celebratory awards presentation, and networking reception. Event proceeds support Maryland LCV’s advocacy for clean water, healthy air and climate-resilient communities. For more information about the event, visit: www.mdlcv.org/changemakers.
About Maryland LCV The Maryland League of Conservation Voters educates and activates people to take equitable and just political actions for clean water, healthy air and climate-resilient communities. For more information about Maryland LCV and its initiatives, visit: www.MDLCV.org.