Maryland’s conservation streak shows how far a small state can go

Maryland just became the first U.S. state to meet the “30 by 30” conservation goal — six years early — and it's already aiming for 40% by 2040.

Cara Buckley reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Maryland has permanently protected nearly 1.9 million acres of land from development, including forests, farms, and coastal areas vital for wildlife, carbon storage, and clean water.
The state's success is credited to bipartisan cooperation, smart use of real estate tax funds, and coordination among government agencies, nonprofits, and military needs.
Despite reaching the milestone, a recent $100 million cut to conservation funds due to budget shortfalls may slow progress toward Maryland’s new 40 by 40 goal.

Key quote:

“Being able to sequester carbon and mitigate climate impacts makes us more resilient in the face of climate change.”

— Josh Kurtz, secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Why this matters:

As federal goals falter, states like Maryland show what’s possible when conservation and economic growth work hand in hand. More than preserving pretty places, Maryland's land protections encompass carbon sinks, wildlife habitats, natural water filters, and buffers against the intensifying wrath of climate change. What’s even more unusual is how they got here — not with grandstanding or greenwashing, but with something increasingly rare: bipartisan cooperation.

Maryland’s conservation streak shows how far a small state can go

Insurance has become the real disaster for Black families

The psychological distance between us and climate disaster

As heat rises, so do complaints about stuffy subway rides

The feds pulled $1.5B from tribal clean energy. Tribes are finding another way

Middle East conflict exposes Africa’s fossil fuel risks & the case for clean energy

Republicans target public lands protections in a new way

Women bear the brunt of climate change. Meet the green politicians determined to change that

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.