Maryland Vs Nyc: Pollution Battle

Maryland and New York City are two of the most populous states in the US, with high levels of traffic and industrial activity. While both states have made significant strides in improving air quality over the years, they continue to face challenges related to air and water pollution, which adversely affect the health and well-being of their residents. Maryland has implemented various initiatives to tackle pollution, such as the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan, Smart Growth, and the Community Solar Program, but it still has work to do to reduce transportation pollution and address the disproportionate impact of pollution on low-income communities and people of colour. NYC, on the other hand, has made notable progress in reducing air pollution, with summertime air quality showing marked improvement since the 1990s, when it ranked among the smoggiest in the country.

Maryland's air quality has improved since the 1990s, but ground-level ozone remains an issue

Maryland has made significant strides in improving its air quality since the 1990s, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington region, which was once ranked among the smoggiest areas in the country. However, ground-level ozone pollution remains a persistent issue, affecting the health of residents and the environment.

Ozone (O3) and fine particulates (PM2.5) are Maryland's most pressing air quality concerns. These pollutants are primarily produced by fuel-burning sources, including vehicles, electric utilities, and industrial boilers. While overall air quality has improved, ozone pollution continues to be the region's most enduring challenge. According to a state environmental official, the Baltimore-Washington area's ozone pollution is slowly improving, but it remains the biggest air pollution problem.

The Baltimore metropolitan region has been in a "non-attainment" status, failing to meet federal clean air standards for ozone since the 1970s. Despite long-term progress, Angelo Bianca, the deputy director of the Maryland Department of the Environment's Air and Radiation Management Administration, affirms that ground-level ozone is the state's sole remaining major air pollution issue. Mobile sources, such as cars, trucks, and boats, contribute significantly to the problem.

Maryland has taken an active role in addressing interstate air pollution, collaborating with over 20 states to tackle this issue. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has intervened, implementing laws to reduce emissions from power plants in upwind states, matching the stricter local regulations already in place in Maryland. This collaborative effort recognizes that air pollution does not respect state boundaries and requires a unified response.

While Maryland's air quality has shown improvement, with eight jurisdictions improving their ozone smog grades, there is still work to be done. Four counties received failing grades for ozone pollution in 2024, and Baltimore continues to struggle with smog and soot pollution, ranking 22nd worst for short-term particle pollution. Nonetheless, the state's efforts, coupled with initiatives like the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan and the Community Solar Program, demonstrate a commitment to tackling pollution and improving the health and well-being of its residents.

Maryland has the nation's second-worst air pollution from vehicles, after New York State

Maryland's air quality has improved since the 1990s, when Baltimore and its suburbs ranked among the smoggiest places in the country. However, the Baltimore-Washington region still ranked 22nd worst for short-term particle pollution in a recent report. While Maryland's air quality averaged "good" in 2019, it has deteriorated slightly since then, and four counties received failing scores for ozone levels.

Transportation pollution is a significant issue in Maryland, especially for those living near highways, major freight corridors, and urban areas. The state has implemented initiatives to reduce car usage, such as park-and-ride locations and carpooling programs, but the number of cars and freight trucks on the roads continues to increase. Maryland is also addressing interstate air pollution, as upwind states contribute to 70% of the ozone levels recorded in the state.

Maryland is also facing water pollution issues, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay. The state has set limits on nutrient pollution and established plans to improve water quality, but many rivers remain unsuitable for swimming, and fish caught in the bays often contain harmful chemicals. Overall, Maryland is making efforts to tackle pollution and improve air and water quality, but it still has work to do, especially in addressing the inequitable exposure to air pollution among different communities.

People of colour and low-income households are disproportionately impacted by air pollution in Maryland

Maryland's air quality has improved in recent years, but the state still faces notable pollution issues, particularly in specific areas such as the Chesapeake Bay. While Maryland's air quality averaged "good" in 2019, Baltimore and its suburbs were once among the smoggiest places in the country, and the region still has some of the worst soot pollution.

Maryland's air pollution disproportionately affects people of color and low-income households. A 2021 study by researchers at the EPA-funded Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions found that people of color in the United States breathe more particulate air pollution on average, regardless of income level or region. This is due to various factors, including residential segregation, racism, class bias, housing market dynamics, and land costs.

In Maryland, people of color are more likely to live in counties with higher levels of pollution. A 2011 analysis found that non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics were more likely to live in counties with worse particle and ozone pollution. Additionally, unemployed people, those with low incomes, and non-Hispanic blacks were found to be more likely to live in areas with higher exposures to particle pollution in a 2012 study.

The health impacts of air pollution are more severe for people of color and low-income households. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can cause lung and heart problems and increase the risk of premature death, especially for those with chronic diseases, the elderly, younger people, and other vulnerable populations. A 2008 study found a greater risk of premature death for communities with higher African American populations and higher unemployment or public transportation usage.

Maryland is taking steps to address air pollution and environmental injustice. The state has implemented regulations and initiatives, such as the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan, to reduce pollution and promote smart growth. Additionally, Maryland power plants are subject to stringent local regulations, and the state has been a leading voice in addressing interstate air pollution. These efforts aim to improve air quality and reduce the disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable communities.

Maryland's water safety ratings are mixed. Trash, bacteria, and chemicals are common issues

Maryland's water safety ratings are mixed, with trash, bacteria, and chemicals being common issues. While the state has made progress in improving air quality, water pollution remains a concern for many residents.

Maryland's water systems have been found to be contaminated with potentially harmful levels of "forever chemicals," or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. They dissolve easily in water and persist in the environment due to their slow breakdown, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." The Maryland Department of the Environment's testing revealed PFAS in over half of the wells sampled from 65 community water systems, impacting about 81,000 people. Earlier tests also found at least traces of PFAS in 75% of larger water systems, serving over 4 million residents. These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues, including kidney and liver disease, and developmental problems.

Trash pollution is another issue Maryland faces. Organisations like Trash Free Maryland advocate for public policies and initiatives to reduce litter and trash pollution in the state. They work towards creating systemic change and reducing litter at its source, with a focus on policy, programmatic interventions, and behavioural changes. Maryland's waterways are affected by trash and litter, impacting the safety and health of these environments.

Maryland's air quality has shown improvement over the years. In 2019, the state averaged "good" air quality, a slight deterioration from 2017 and 2018 levels. Baltimore, which used to be among the smoggiest cities in the country, has seen improvements, although the region still struggles with smog and soot pollution. Maryland has been proactive in addressing interstate air pollution, collaborating with other states and implementing stricter local regulations for power plants.

Overall, while Maryland has made strides in improving air quality, water safety remains a mixed bag, with chemical and trash pollution being pressing issues that require further action and effective solutions.

Maryland is addressing water pollution with state laws, local initiatives, and the Community Solar Program

Maryland has been taking active measures to address water pollution through a combination of state laws, local initiatives, and the Community Solar Program. While the state has made significant progress in improving air quality, with Baltimore no longer ranking among the smoggiest cities in the country, there is continued focus on reducing water pollution.

Maryland's Community Solar Program allows residents, businesses, and communities to benefit from solar energy, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing their carbon footprint. This program is part of Maryland's commitment to renewable energy sources and provides an opportunity for those who cannot install solar panels on their property to support solar energy development.

At the state level, Maryland has implemented stringent regulations for power plants, with local laws that are even more rigorous than the federal limits. These regulations aim to reduce emissions and address interstate air pollution, as pollution from upwind states contributes significantly to Maryland's ozone levels. The state has also been a leading voice in bringing together over 20 states to tackle this issue collaboratively.

Local initiatives in Maryland play a crucial role in addressing water pollution. Organizations like Clean Water Action work closely with communities to reduce agricultural pollution, address polluted runoff, and ensure that the voices of overburdened communities are heard. They recognize that the way trash is managed within communities has a significant impact on air quality, budgets, and contributions to climate change. Additionally, Maryland offers alternatives to driving alone, such as carpooling and public transportation options, which help to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

Maryland's efforts to address water pollution are ongoing, with a focus on protecting the health and environmental safety of all its communities. By combining state laws, local initiatives, and renewable energy programs like Community Solar, the state is committed to reducing pollution and creating a healthier environment for its residents.

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