The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Congratulates Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk on Her Election as Maryland House Speaker

Peña-Melnyk Steps into Speakership at a Critical Time in Maryland’s Progress Towards Healthy Water, Air, and Improved Resilience Against Climate Change

Today, members of the Maryland General Assembly met in special session to elect Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk as Speaker of the House. Speaker Peña-Melnyk has been a state representative for nearly 20 years, representing parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties. She succeeds Speaker Adrienne Jones, who stepped down from the position earlier this year. 

Speaker Peña-Melnyk brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee since 2022. The committee has seen firsthand the importance of efficient, well-resourced government services to achieve environmental progress, as well as the direct connection between clean air and water and public health. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) congratulates Speaker Peña-Melnyk on her historic election and looks forward to working with her on critical environmental priorities. 

CBF Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden issued the following statement: 

“Congratulations to Maryland’s new House Speaker, Joseline Peña-Melnyk. Maryland has long been a national leader in environmental stewardship thanks to leaders like Peña-Melnyk. 

“Our parks, farms, forests, and waterways are what make Maryland such a great place to live, even as pressures of a growing population mount and the effects of climate change are felt on a daily basis. The House of Delegates has historically prioritized the environment in their policy and budget decisions, and we look forward to this continuing under Speaker Peña-Melnyk’s leadership.”