Through your invaluable support, we have taken major steps forward on multiple campaigns. There’s a lot to be proud of! Here's are some of the highlights from the Maryland team:

We Banned Fracking -- With a Republican Governor 

We did it! In April, Maryland banned fracking!

Even though the American Petroleum Institute spent $1.5 million fighting the ban, people power prevailed — your phone calls, rallies, and powerful testimony at hearings made it clear that you wouldn't settle for anything less than a statewide ban.

Standing behind Governor Hogan as he signed the ban into law, we couldn't stop thinking about our rally in Annapolis, where over 1,000 people marched through the streets chanting "ban fracking now!" This victory was thanks to your dedication and countless hours of work.

We’re Tackling Factory Farm Pollution 

We've heard harrowing stories from families exposed to dangerous factory farm pollution— it's not right for the profits of big meat producers like Perdue to take precedence over people's health.

That's why we're partnering with communities on the Eastern Shore to fight factory farm pollution.

We worked with Senator Rich Madaleno to introduce the Community Healthy Air Act, which would require the state to identify and monitor all pollutants that are emitted by factory farms.

In 2018, we'll re-introduce the bill and work hard to pass it to protect the air and water of our communities. We can do this!

We’re Protecting Your Right to Water 

Across Maryland, the human right to water is threatened. Nowhere is this clearer than in Baltimore, where water rates have more than quadrupled, and when families can't pay their water bill, the city will shut off their water or threaten to take their home.

Nobody should be forced to live without water or lose their home because they can't afford their water bill.

That's why we're working with City Council President Jack Young and Councilman Bill Henry to introduce legislation that ensures everyone in Baltimore has access to safe, affordable water. And we're partnering with Delegate Mary Washington to ensure that nobody in our city loses their home over a water bill.

The challenges we’ve faced together in Maryland have made us stronger and more resilient, enabling us to take on even our most formidable opponents — and win.

We all need clean air, safe water, and a livable climate, and we're not done fighting for them.  [2]TWEET [2] But our movement continues to grow in numbers and power. And together, we can continue to hold our representatives accountable to act on our behalf.

Again, thank you. We are SO excited to embark on another powerful year with you to protect all Marylanders!

Onward together,

The Maryland Team

Food & Water Watch