Hogan on the Environment

Jane Jewell • July 16, 2024


Rising sea levels, recurring floods, and an increasing number of dangerous storms along with the hottest summers on record have made environmental issues among the most important and hotly debated issues across the country. This article takes a look at former Gov. Larry Hogan’s record on environmental policy during his two terms as Maryland’s governor from 2015 to 2023.

 

Hogan, a Republican, is now running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Ben Cardin. This Senate race in Maryland is important at the national as well as the state level because the result could well be the deciding factor in which political party — Democrats or Republicans — will control the U.S. Senate.

 

Most environmental experts and organizations gave Hogan a mixed review, mentioning some progress on the issues, but noting that Hogan’s support of environmental and climate solutions was in general more talk than action.

 

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) summarized Hogan’s record on the environment in their Governor’s Report Card, stating that “While Governor Hogan took positive actions, his leadership was inconsistent and he failed to adequately staff environmental compliance offices. He made strong statements committing to climate policy and the Chesapeake Bay that too often were followed by weak actions.”

 

Overall, the LCV’s Report Card gave Governor Hogan one “B-”, one “C”, and two “Ds” for his record on four key environmental and climate issues during his two terms in office.



Below are examples of the type of action or inaction that were considered in the report.

 

Several communities on the Eastern Shore have been struggling with air quality problems due to nearby large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The Hogan administration declined to introduce any measures to reduce the sources of the air pollution but it did direct the MDE to install air monitors to record ammonia emissions from poultry farms, thus taking a small first step in addressing the issue.

 

However, when a court issued a ruling requiring the state to regulate poultry ammonia emissions as part of its Clean Water Act, Hogan declined to comply and appealed the decision, thus delaying any reduction of emissions and any relief from the unhealthy, polluted, and stinking air for the local residents.

 

The annual report from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on enforcement and compliance showed a significant reduction in enforcement of environmental regulations during Hogan’s tenure.

 

Transportation and Energy also had mixed, though generally low, reviews.

 

The LCV said that “On the whole, the Hogan administration’s record on environmental justice, especially with regard to public transit, and clean and renewable energy, is inadequate.” The LCV went on to state that Hogan’s Department of Transportation prioritized highway expansion, especially in rural Maryland, and “actively starved public transit of funding and support.”

 

This significant reduction in funding for the Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA) resulted in Maryland’s public transit system being listed as one of the least reliable in the entire country according to the Federal Transit Administration.

 

Governor Hogan’s budget did provide some limited support for the Purple line. However, Hogan canceled all plans for the Baltimore Red line which would have expanded public transportation into poorly-serviced areas of Baltimore, helping residents travel for both employment and shopping. The cancellation of the long-awaited Red Line disproportionately affected the poorer sections of Baltimore. 

 

Hogan refused federal funding that would have provided nearly a billion dollars towards the construction of the Red Line. Then, adding insult to injury, Hogan redistributed the already approved state’s share of the money for the Red Line to nearly every other state jurisdiction except those that would have benefited from the Red Line. An investigation reported in the magazine Washington Monthly pointed out that many of these rerouted funds ended up going to highway projects located near properties owned by Hogan’s real estate investment firm, thus increasing their potential value.

 

On the positive side, Hogan supported tax credits for electric vehicles. This could help achieve the state’s goal of 300,000 electric cars by 2030.

 

Hogan’s record on clean energy has also been mixed. He opposed a ban on fracking in 2017 and planned to expand fracked gas infrastructure in Maryland. Then at the last minute, he changed course and supported the fracking ban as well as joining in the opposition to the Potomac Pipeline expansion through Western Maryland.

 

In a seeming contradiction of that decision, Hogan then supported expansion of the existing pipeline infrastructure of the Del-Mar Energy Pathway Project planned to run through the Eastern Shore. This inconsistency in energy policy, according to the LCV, leaves Hogan’s thinking and position on energy policies unclear. His policies may be evolving, or, as many think, such decisions may be significantly influenced by press and public pressure.

 

On the positive side, the Report Card points out that as governor, Hogan actively supported wind farms off the Atlantic coastline near Ocean City to generate clean electricity. He sought both grants and federal funding for these projects.

 

In both 2020 and 2021, Hogan’s administration proposed legislation that promised a path to 100% clean and renewable energy, a laudable goal. But the bill had questionable provisions that resulted in opposition by the environmental community. While those issues were mostly addressed in the 2021 version of the bill, the bill was submitted three weeks after the deadline thus assuring that it could not be considered during that legislative session.

 

The LCV concluded that “In both 2020 and 2021, the Hogan administration’s attempts to build legislative or community support for a 100% clean energy policy were lackluster. … The Hogan administration has been vague about its support for clean energy, and overall progress has been disappointingly slow.”

 

In the 2022 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly approved new legislation to help with climate and environmental issues. The Washington Post called the bill “one of the most ambitious climate change plans in the U.S.” The article went on to state that the new plan “accelerates Maryland’s already ambitious environmental goals, seeking to cut emissions by 60% of 2006 levels by 2031, up from the current goal of 40%. It also spells out sweeping changes to get there.”

 

Governor Larry Hogan opposed the bill, calling it a “reckless and controversial energy tax.”

 

Continuing the mixed review trend, the LCV cited Governor Hogan’s record on funding land preservation and open space as excellent, while his water management policies ranked as inconsistent to poor.

 

Hogan advocated for full federal funding of the Chesapeake Bay Program during the Trump administration when significant cuts were proposed. Yet Hogan repeatedly opposed legislation for science-based oyster management and sanctuaries. Oysters are vital for the health of the Bay and for the economy of the fishing and oyster industry.

 

A summary of the Environmental Report Card for former Governor Larry Hogan with a link to download the full report can be found here.

 

A previous Common Sense article reported on Hogan’s career and his record of legislative vetoes on several issues, including abortion, education, and gun control.

 

Look for more articles on the candidates and their records in upcoming issues of Common Sense for the Eastern Shore.

 

 

Jane Jewell is a writer, editor, photographer, and teacher. She has worked in news, publishing, and as the director of a national writer's group. She lives in Chestertown with her husband Peter Heck, a ginger cat named Riley, and a lot of books.

 

Common Sense for the Eastern Shore

Health of His Constituents is Apparently Not a Priority for Rep. Dr. Andy Harris

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:

Judge Denies Trump Administration’s Attempt to Stall Maryland Offshore Wind Case Amid Federal Shutdown

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
 Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.

Should We Pin Our Hopes on Mid-Cycle Redistricting in MD-01?

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.

Megan Outten Kicks Off Wicomico County Council District 7 Campaign with Packed Crowd and Strong Early Momentum

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.

Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.

Momentum Builds to Save Connelly Mill Park: Community Leaders and State Officials Unite Around Vision for Wicomico’s “Central Park”

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
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