Other countries are recognizing what we in Maryland already know: fracking is dangerous and contributes to harmful climate change. Glad to see this action in Ireland and to have been a leader in prohibiting fracking here in Maryland.

I'm proud to join with colleagues from the House and Senate to protect Maryland from becoming home to a fracked gas pipeline. State and local leaders, activists, and a unanimous, bipartisan vote of the Board of Public Works have all said "no" to the Potomac Pipeline project, yet Columbia Gas is essentially suing the state to take our land.

In 2017 legislation I sponsored made Maryland the first state with gas reserves to legislatively ban fracking. We also have worked to increase our use of renewable energy by passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act and transitioning away from dirty fossil fuels. Construction of this pipeline is counter to the vision Maryland has for its environmental and energy future.

Hemp production would create new jobs, provide new opportunities for farmers, and lead to more sustainable products for consumers. I'm proud of my role in moving the ball forward on hemp production in Maryland.

Wishing Lorig Charkoudian, David Fraser-Hidalgo and this guy, Brian Crosby the best of luck as they defend the honor of the Maryland General Assembly in the Tough Mudder Race today.