Maryland Senate Names New Environmental Committee Leadership

The Maryland Senate’s Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment will see new leadership this upcoming session, Senate President Bill Ferguson announced yesterday. Current committee chair Sen. Brian Feldman was named the Senate’s majority leader and chief of policy.

Sen. Dawn Gile will become the next chair for the Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment, and Sen. Ben Brooks will serve as the committee’s vice chair. These are critical leadership positions for Chesapeake Bay protection and restoration, as much of Maryland’s environmental policy legislation passes through the committee.

CBF Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden issued the following statement: 

“Under Senator Feldman’s leadership, the committee advanced numerous priorities for a healthy Bay, including an overhaul of Maryland’s Forest Conservation Act, new regulations on agricultural sludge, and the Whole Watershed Act.

“Protecting the Chesapeake Bay takes collaboration, commitment, and a willingness to tackle tough challenges. We look forward to working with Senator Gile and Senator Brooks in their new roles on the committee, and to Senator Feldman’s continued leadership as majority leader and chief of policy.”