Legislative Victories
We are proud of the progress Maryland has made for bird safety in recent years. Thanks to the efforts of Safe Skies, its volunteers, and other phenomenal environmental advocacy groups and individuals, we have gotten legislation passed that will save many birds.
In 2020, Howard County became the first county in the state to enact a law requiring new building permits to include plans for using bird-safe architecture. This means using less fully transparent glass, reducing outdoor lighting, and other strategies.
We thank the bill’s sponsor, Council Chair Deb Jung, as well as its co-sponsors Liz Walsh and Christiana Rigby. Below is a link to a press release announcing passage of the bill.
HoCo Bird-Safe Building Designs News Release
In 2023, Governor Moore signed the Maryland Sustainable Buildings Act into law. It requires all newly constructed or renovated buildings that are at least 51% funded by the state to use bird-safe architecture designs as specified by LEED. This reduces bird deaths and saves energy because glass is a poor insulator and unnecessary lighting wastes electricity.
We thank Delegate Terri Hill and Senator Clarence Lam for co-sponsoring the bill. Below is a link to the press release announcing the bill’s enactment.
