Creating a Cleaner, Greener Baltimore County

There’s almost nothing that speaks more directly to who we are as a people—and our sacred obligation to the next generation—than environmental sustainability.

When the English immigrant Goerge Alsop arrived in Baltimore County nearly 350 years ago, he shared these words:  “There is no place on earth that can parallel this fertile and pleasant piece of ground.”  Through generations of thoughtful decision-making, our forefathers were able to preserve and pass on this pleasant, beautiful place we call home, framed by natural heights on our West and 200 miles of tidal waterfront on the East.  

But like so many other blessings of the County, we’re at an inflection point.  We share our water and sewer infrastructure with the City of Baltimore, and it’s very old and breaks down regularly. We’ve seen increased flooding and sewer overflows resulting from the impacts of climate change.  All but one of our watersheds are polluted and considered “impaired” by the State.  And 65% of residents lack walking access to open space.  On top of all this, many are struggling to afford to keep their lights on because of major utility rate increases.

Understanding that each of us has a responsibility to advance the common good, Nick has been working for years to advocate for smart growth, sustainable development and community revitalization through his leadership of We The People – Baltimore County.  

During that time, he’s developed a bold vision where Baltimore County doesn’t wait for others.  Instead, we lead the way, with decisions driven by data and best practice in order to heal our environment and deliver climate resiliency.  

Launch “ClimateStat” to Improve Performance

• Launch ClimateStat to reinvigorate County efforts to track progress on watershed health, infrastructure upgrades, clean energy installations and environmental justice
• Make the data readily accessible by everyone and actionable, ensuring public engagement, accountability and results

Strengthen Climate Resilience

• Comprehensively update the County’s water management practices with a focus on resiliency and require further updates once every four years
• Perform a complete review of floodplain mapping and revise designations based on updated climate data
• Coordinate with Baltimore City to upgrade water and sewer systems and support the creation of a regional water authority (the City largely controls now)

Grow Green Infrastructure and Public Access

• Expand public access to open space—especially inside the URDL—by creating a Green Infrastructure Network and supporting groups like Catonsville Rails to Trails that connect our parks, trails and green spaces
• Prioritize forest conservation funding and efforts toward our 50% tree canopy goal 
• Update conservation regulations to comply with State law and enforce them consistently
• Leverage the Pikesville Armory model to create more multi-use, mixed-zoning hubs that combine open and community space through climate-conscious design

Promote Smart, Sustainable Growth

• Prioritize revitalization of greyfields as mixed-use developments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stormwater runoff and create walkable, connected communities
• Use the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Environmental Justice Screening Tool to guide decision-making on siting, permitting and enforcement
• For more on smart growth, check out Nick’s vision here [link to housing/revitalization issue page]

Cut Energy Bills and Build Resilient Infrastructure

• Support home energy audits and provide incentives, grants and faster permitting so residents can actually take advantage of audit results
• Launch an energy audit and investment program for government buildings and schools
• Support solar and battery storage projects that keep critical infrastructure running in the event of outrages

Advance Clean, Local Energy Solutions

• Install a “Renewable Energy Czar” in the Office of Sustainability focused on creating and delivering renewable energy initiatives and projects in the County 
• Encourage solar development by reforming the permitting process so that it is objective, unbiased and understandable to everyone—and continue tax incentives and grant programs for solar and geothermal energy
• Audit all available rooftop space on government, school and commercial buildings in the County and develop a plan for incentivizing the installation of solar panels
• Launch feasibility study to consider use of small modular reactors to serve local microgrids

• Leverage assets like bwtech@UMBC to make the County a destination for green innovation and technology, attracting tech-sector talent while supporting vocational trades

Reduce Waste and Expand Recycling

• Expand curbside recycling programs and improve participation rates
• Explore composting at the countywide level
• Incentivize commercial waste reduction strategies and promote education around household waste minimization

Baltimore County is facing an inflection point. With Nick at the helm, Baltimore County will lead on sustainability—with a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for every family.

We can’t wait for someone else to act.  This is our legacy.  And we’ve got to shape it as One County.