No Legislation, But Communities Struggle On....

[Phila]

By the end of the Spring 2008 session of the Maryland General Assembly, hope had died for an immediate legislative solution to the extreme "vegetation management" practices (read: clear-cutting) initiated by BG&E (Constellation Energy) in Baltimore and Howard Counties, with the likelihood of implementation in the rest of the state.

What this means:

* Constellation Energy is not legally required to notify homeowners or communities of cutting scheduled for their areas.
* No legislation requires the utility to submit a vegetation management plan or environmental impact statement annually with the DNR.
* The DNR is not legally guaranteed the option of placing a stop-action order on the power giant if excessive clear-cutting, or cutting in environmentally sensitive areas, is reported.

However - individual homeowners and communities, along with the DNR, continue to negotiate with Constellation Energy for a solution to this issue. As the utility giant moves forward with its plans, other communities are likely to add their voices.

This network is designed to serve Maryland communities as a forum for sharing, mutual support and inspiration as they work to protect their trees and green spaces.