Women Lawmakers Take Aim at Climate Change
Some coverage in Maryland Matters by Josh Kurtz on the important initiative that we introduced last night:
As Maryland becomes increasingly susceptible to catastrophic events related to climate change, lawmakers are seeking ways to make the state more resilient and better prepared for what may come.
Senators and delegates on Monday night unveiled a package of five resiliency bills designed to make it easier for state planners and policymakers to prepare for — and, if possible, prevent — the ravages of climate change.
The all-female lineup of lawmakers who spoke at an Annapolis news conference Monday night represent Ellicott City, which has endured catastrophic damage from two “thousand-year” floods in less than two years; Annapolis, where City Dock is regularly under water; and Baltimore City, where poor residents swelter through heat islands and waterfront communities see regular flooding.
Del. Courtney Watson (D-Howard), who represents Ellicott City, has introduced House Bill 78, which would enable local governments to seek funding for climate resiliency projects from the state’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund. The bill would change state law to make flood control an eligible criteria for funding.
“For every dollar we spend on mitigation, we save $6 in damages from flooding,” Watson said.
