Civic Engagement and Democracy

An online presentation is open for you to learn about Governor Hogan's proposed expansion of 270 and 495, two highways in the Washington Metropolitan area. The planned expansion is intended to reduce congestion by adding toll lanes, like what has been done on parts of 95 north of Baltimore and in Northern Virginia. The Maryland Department is hailing this as a "state-of-the-art" transportation solution that will return your quality life. It's not. Building more roads is not state-of-the-art and will not return quality of life.

Has this ever happened to you?

You’re finished shopping. You’re ready to head home with your groceries, or that special gift you just bought, or that last item you needed to finish the project you’ve been working on.

Then comes The Ask: “Would you like to donate your change to [name that worthy cause]?”

They call it the Magna Carta of environmental laws; the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the foundation for landmark health and environmental protections like the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. NEPA is what gives any person or community group a voice on projects that can impact our health and well-being. It's what requires governments and developers to slow down and consider public concerns.