Maryland Governor Wes Moore Releases Preliminary Budget

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Urges Governor and Legislators to Work Together to Pass a Budget That Protects the Chesapeake Bay

Amid calls by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) to preserve funding for a healthy environment, today Maryland Governor Wes Moore released his preliminary budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027.

Maryland is at a critical point for the Chesapeake Bay, seeking to continue progress on Bay restoration amid historic budget challenges, changes to key legislative leadership roles, and the impacts of policy and funding decisions made at the federal level.

Last year, CBF and its members spoke out and helped ensure environmental priorities were protected as the Governor and General Assembly closed a budget deficit of over $3 billion. The FY’ 27 preliminary budget addresses a projected $1.5 billion shortfall.

During the 2026 General Assembly session, CBF will be urging legislators to prioritize environmental efforts that are long-lasting, cost-effective, and directly confront climate change. To achieve this goal, Maryland must:

• Invest in capacity for state agencies that protect clean water and air, including the Departments of the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, as well as the Maryland Energy Administration;
• Secure funds that support clean water and healthy habitats, supporting long-term resilience, jobs, economies, food sources, and recreational benefits;
• Protect land preservation programs that have secured hundreds of thousands of acres of open space in every corner of the state;
• Sustain funding that will help Maryland achieve its ambitious clean energy and climate resiliency goals.

CBF is closely reviewing Gov. Moore’s proposed budget and will continue to advocate for investments in these vital programs.

CBF Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden issued the following statement:

“Investing in the environment is an investment in Maryland’s future. With continued uncertainty at the federal level, Maryland’s leadership is more important than ever to sustain our progress for Marylanders and the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland’s investments in healthier, more resilient waterways are not just good for the Bay, but also support jobs, improve human health, and provide numerous other benefits.”

“We appreciate Governor Moore’s leadership and the many difficult decisions made by him and his team to balance their preliminary budget plan. We urge the Governor and General Assembly leaders to prioritize the Bay as they finalize the Maryland budget.”