Creating a Cleaner, Greener Baltimore County

There’s almost nothing that speaks more directly to who we are as a people—and our sacred obligation to the next generation—than environmental sustainability.

When the English immigrant George Alsop arrived in Baltimore County nearly 350 years ago, he shared these words:

“There is no place on earth that can parallel this fertile and pleasant piece of ground.” 

Through generations of thoughtful decision-making, our forefathers were able to preserve and pass on this pleasant, beautiful place we call home, framed by natural heights on our West and 200 miles of tidal waterfront on the East.  

But like so many other blessings of the County, we’re at an inflection point. 

• We share our water and sewer infrastructure with the City of Baltimore, and it’s very old and breaks down regularly.
• We’ve seen increased flooding and sewer overflows resulting from the impacts of climate change. 
• All but one of our watersheds are polluted and considered “impaired” by the State. 
• And 65% of residents lack walking access to open space.

On top of all this, many are struggling to afford to keep their lights on because of major utility rate increases.

Understanding that each of us has a responsibility to advance the common good, Nick has been working for years to advocate for smart growth, sustainable development and community revitalization through his leadership of We The People – Baltimore County.  

During that time, he’s developed a bold vision where Baltimore County doesn’t wait for others. Instead, we lead the way, with decisions driven by data and best practice in order to heal our environment and deliver climate resiliency.

Use Data to Improve Performance

• Launch ClimateStat: A comprehensive performance management system that tracks progress on watershed health, infrastructure upgrades, clean energy installations and environmental justice.
  • The data will be readily accessible by everyone and actionable, ensuring public engagement, accountability and results.

Strengthen Climate Resilience

• Improve Water Management: Comprehensively update the County’s water management practices with a focus on resiliency and require further updates once every four years.
• Update our Flood Maps: Perform a complete review of floodplain mapping and revise designations based on updated climate data.
• Regional Water Authority: Coordinate with Baltimore City to upgrade water and sewer systems and support the creation of a regional water authority (the City largely controls now).

Grow Green Infrastructure and Public Access

• Expand public access to open space: With a special focus inside the URDL create a Green Infrastructure Network and supporting groups like Catonsville Rails to Trails that connect our parks, trails and green spaces. 
  • Learn more about Nick’s views on the North County and areas outside the URDL here
• Prioritize forest conservation: Ensure funding and coordinated efforts toward our 50% tree canopy goal. 
• Push Forward Conservation: Update conservation regulations to comply with State law and enforce them consistently.

Promote Smart, Sustainable Growth

• Advocate for Green Revitalization: Create more multi-use, mixed-zoning hubs modelled after the Pikesville Armory that combine open and community space through climate-conscious design.
  • Read more about Nick’s vision for revitalizing our town centers and communities here. 
• Transform Underused Properties: Prioritize revitalization of greyfields as mixed-use developments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stormwater runoff and create walkable, connected communities.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Use the Maryland Department of the Environment’s Environmental Justice Screening Tool to guide decision-making on siting, permitting and enforcement.

Cut Energy Bills and Build Resilient Infrastructure

• Help Residents find Solutions: Support home energy audits and provide incentives, grants and faster permitting so residents can actually take advantage of audit results.
• Lead with Our Influence: Launch an audit all available rooftop space on government, school and commercial buildings in the County and incentivize the installation of solar panels through an investment program for government buildings and schools.
• Create Sustainable Resilience: Support solar and battery storage projects that keep critical infrastructure running in the event of outrages.

Advance Clean, Local Energy Solutions

• Renewable Energy Czar: Dedicate a position in the Office of Sustainability focused on creating and delivering renewable energy initiatives and projects in the County.
• Small Business Energy Grants Team: Help small businesses apply for energy grants through specialized personnel in the County’s Office of Sustainability in coordination with the County’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development, incubators and local organizations.
• Sustainable Permitting: Encourage solar energy and geothermal heating by reforming the permitting process so that it is objective, unbiased and understandable to everyone—and continue tax incentives and grant programs for all renewable energy projects.
• Drive to the Future: Launch feasibility study of small modular reactors to serve local microgrids.
• Greentech Destination: Make the County a destination for Greentech innovation and technology by leveraging assets like bwtech@UMBC to attracting tech-sector talent while supporting vocational trades.
  • Read more about Nick’s plans for driving sustainable economic growth here.

Reduce Waste and Expand Recycling

• Recycle: Expand curbside recycling programs, update collection routes using real-time data and ensure every household has access to modern bins and clear guidance on what can and cannot be recycled. Strengthen enforcement of recycling standards for large multi-unit properties.
• Reuse: Explore countywide composting through a phased rollout that begins with pilot neighborhoods, drop-off sites and partnerships with schools and community gardens. Evaluate the infrastructure needed to support large-scale organics processing as part of Baltimore County’s climate and sustainability goals.
• Reduce: Incentivize commercial waste reduction by offering fee reductions, recognition programs and technical assistance for businesses that cut landfill use, adopt reusable packaging, or transition to greener supply chains. Prioritize large shopping centers and industrial corridors where waste volumes are highest.
• Respond: Promote education around household waste minimization through public campaigns, school-based programs and digital tools that help families track waste, understand recycling rules and lower their environmental footprint. Tie this work to community clean-up events and neighborhood pride initiatives.

Baltimore County is facing an inflection point. With Nick at the helm, Baltimore County will lead on sustainability—with a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for every family.

We can’t wait for someone else to act.  This is our legacy.  And we’ve got to shape it as One County.