Environment

GOVERNOR O'MALLEY
Restoring the Bay; Protecting Our Environment

EARNED AN A- FOR HIS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Due to his exceptional leadership in implementing effective policies for our environment, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters awarded Governor O’Malley an A- the highest grade ever for a sitting governor.

RESTORING THE HEALTH OF THE BAY

Governor O’Malley led the effort to help restore the Chesapeake Bay. He created the acclaimed BayStat program and more than doubled funding for the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund.

Because of these efforts, Maryland’s blue crab population has more than doubled under Governor O’Malley and the bay’s health is improving – a recent report gave the Bay’s health its highest grade since 2002.

PRESERVED 28,000 ACRES OF LAND

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, Maryland protected 28,000 acres of land through Program Open Space—four times the amount of Ehrlich’s administration in much easier times.

BOB EHRLICH
No Friend of the Environment

EARNED A D FOR HIS FAILED ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

Bob Ehrlich earned a D from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters for his failed environmental policies, including cutting critical programs, like Program Open Space, to restore the Bay and his opposition to improving transit options. Bob Ehrlich also opposed multi-efforts to force tougher restrictions on power plant and vehicle emissions.

FAILED TO LEAD IN PROTECTING THE BAY

While in office, Bob Ehrlich did little, if anything, to protect our environment. As Rena Steinzor of the Center for Progressive Regulation said of Bob Ehrlich’s administration, “In large measure because of Maryland's extraordinary foot-dragging, pollution in the Chesapeake Bay grows worse, killing aquatic life, and jeopardizing the state's economy.”

CAUGHT IN AN OPEN SPACE SALE SCANDAL

Bob Ehrlich raided Program Open Space money and even tried to secretly sell more than 800 acres of pristine forests in St. Mary’s County to a politically connected campaign contributor for below-market prices.