On Tuesday, March 3rd, dozens of anti-fracking activists gathered in Annapolis from across the state to say NO to fracking in Maryland.
Folks traveled from as far away as Garrett County to have their voices heard in support of the Protect Our Health and Communities Act (SB 409/HB 449), which would put a long-term moratorium on fracking.

The day began with an energetic rally, despite the frigid temperatures.  Our legislative champions kicked off the rally with some inspirational words. We are excited to work with the bill’s sponsors, Senator Karen Montgomery and Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo, to get this important legislation passed! Delegate Hidalgo has serious concerns about fracking and public health, “It would be irresponsible as legislators, as parents, to move forward on fracking.”
We then heard from health experts Dr. Gina Angiola and Dr. Annie Bristow on the dangers to our communities from the fracking chemicals that could travel into our land, air, and water.
JT Stanley, a student at University of Maryland, College Park, and Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food and Water Watch, fired up the crowd with stories of the anti-fracking movement across the country, and how students are building power on campus to fight climate change and fossil fuels.
The rally ended with a powerful message from the citizens of Western Maryland.  Tiffany Blackden, owner of The Alley Bowling Lanes and Nadine Grabania of Deep Creek Cellars reflected on how their businesses would be impacted if fracking came to their region. Tiffany and her family would have to relocate due to their son’s chemical sensitivity, and fracking would put the water source of Nadine’s winery at risk of contamination, potentially destroying the business.
The rally was just the first act in the anti-fracking day of action.  In the afternoon, the Protect Our Health and Communities Act was up for its first Senate hearing in the 2015 General Assembly.
With our cheers of “Don’t Frack Maryland” ringing in the ears of the 12 senators on the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs committee, we reconvened at for the Senate hearing nearly six hours later to testify on why we need a long-term moratorium on fracking.
Over 20 citizens testified in favor of the bill, including experts on health from the Maryland Nurses Association, as well as environmental advocates from Clean Water Action and the Sierra Club.  Marylanders already living with the effects of natural gas infrastructure testified on its harmful impacts on their community, including Ann Nau a citizen of Myersville, MD, where a new compressor station, is causing noise, climate, and air pollution.

To close out the day, more folks from Western Maryland warned the committee about the disastrous effects fracking could have on the local economy and business in Garrett and Allegany Counties, which so heavily rely on tourism and environmental recreation.
All across Maryland people are coming together to say NO to fracking. Health leaders, business owners, students, and so many more agree: Don’t frack Maryland, pass the The Protect Our Health and Communities Act (SB 409/HB 449. Add your voice by sending a message to our legislators: Put a long-term moratorium on fracking!
To see more pictures, visit our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chesapeakeclimate/sets
Want to get more involved in the campaign to keep fracking out of Maryland? Email Shilpa Joshi Maryland Campaign Coordinator at Shilpa@chesapeakeclimate.org.