Maryland Commits to Economic Pain, Government Land Grab

Hogan signs greenhouse gas, open space bills

Maryland is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 after Gov. Larry Hogan signed legislation Monday morning.

The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act boosts existing emissions reduction rules passed in 2009. The governor's signature commits the state to one of the strongest climate goals in the country, according to the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

"There's no question that submerged shorelines and flooded businesses are bad for our economy and endanger our health and well-being as citizens," said Mike Tidwell, the director of the network. "By committing to deeper cuts in carbon pollution, Maryland is taking a historic and notably bipartisan step toward the protection of our health, our economy, and our children's future."

The bill passed the House of Delegates by 100-37 and the Senate by a vote of 38-8, with bipartisan support in both chambers, according to the network.

The previous iteration of the law required a 25 percent reduction of 2006 levels by 2020.

Of course, Maryland cutting it's greenhouse gas emission will have essentially zero effect on climate change, or sea level rise, but attaining such cuts will devastate the state's economy. Not working now, I look forward to the State Government reducing it's greenhouse gas footprint 40% by 2030. Maybe they could lead the way and make it to 80%. While staying within budget. LOL.

Program Open Space funding bill becomes law

Legislation designed to restore full funding for Program Open Space was signed by Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday.

"This will mean the creation of parks and playgrounds and the protection of farms, forests, and historic places for future generations to enjoy," according to Partners for Open Space.

The legislation allocated $60 million through the next two years to the preservation program that helps fund parks and conservation projects. The bill also increases open space funding to Baltimore City and establishes a repayment plan to replenish money that was transferred into the general fund by previous administrations, according to Hogan's office.

The fund is a frequent target of politicians who need just a little more money to cover the programs they covet, and "borrowing" from it is a common event.

While there are occasions for the State to need to buy land, it seems like the State of Maryland has gone into the business of reverting to a system where the State owns as much land as possible, to exclude the possibility of it being used for something useful.