Budget For The Bay

Soon, the Maryland General Assembly will complete public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget and will face crucial decisions to balance a $1.5 billion deficit. While there is still much work to do, as things stand right now the General Assembly appears ready to adopt a budget that avoids deep cuts to environmental funding and supports continued progress on Bay restoration.

The Departments of the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, as well as the Maryland Energy Administration—the state agencies collectively tasked with protecting the environment—account for slightly less than 1.5 percent of state spending and are especially sensitive to additional cuts. Any further budget reductions put Maryland and our Bay at risk. Investments in fresh air, healthy soil, and clean water directly support Maryland’s economy, health, and way of life.

While the final details of the budget will need to be hammered out before going to the governor, we want to thank state legislators for their commitment to environmental agencies and programs and make sure they finish the job by passing a Bay-focused budget. Please join us in reaching out to your elected officials to thank them for continuing to invest in our environment, economy, and communities!