It is widely recognized that Americans are exposed daily to multiple chemical compounds in our air, food, water, and consumer products, and that many low income and racial and ethnic minority populations bear a disproportionate share of these exposures. Significant research investments have been made to develop methods to assess the combined effects of multiple chemical exposures, and literature on the cumulative health effects of joint exposure to chemical and social stressors is growing. However, little progress has been made to advance federal and state policy responses to scientific findings about cumulative impacts and risk. During the last three legislative sessions of the Maryland General Assembly, three bills (HB1210/SB706: Environment-Permit Determinations-Cumulative Impact Assessments, HB0987/SB0693: Cumulative Air Impact Analysis, and HB0820/SB0398: The REDUCE Act) were introduced on cumulative impacts, but none were successful. The primary objective of this study is to explore the challenges related to advancing cumulative impacts policy in Maryland. Through routine participant observation, in-depth interviews, and policy analysis, we examine the scientific, social, and political framings of cumulative impacts and risk, and how they are understood and acted upon by legislators, environmental and public health agencies, business leaders, advocates, and other key stakeholders.