Annapolis Blues Society presents CCAN Benefit Concert

On May 24, local blues performers are coming together to promote awareness of climate change and CCAN's work to fight global warming in Maryland.  Performers include John Jensen, Neil Harpe, Hula dancers and more!  Fun for the whole family!  Buy your tickets now!

MARYLAND
2007-2008 Legislative sessions ends with victories for energy efficiency but the big prize postponed

Global Warming Solutions Act killed in Economic Committee

The Maryland General Assembly ended its annual legislative session with significant victories for the climate movement. With strong leadership from Gov. Martin O'Malley, the legislature passed bills to significantly reduce future electricity use, increase wind and solar power development, and make state buildings and schools more energy wise.

But the most important legislation of all, the Global Warming Solutions Act, fell short in the Maryland House of Representatives on the very last day of the session, thanks to controversial opposition from the United Steelworkers. This bill -- one of the strongest climate bills in the country -- made great progress, however, and Gov. O'Malley and advocates pledge to move forward and are confident of passage in Maryland early next year.

The Global Warming Solutions Act would have set up a carbon "cap-and-trade" system in Maryland and cut the state's global warming pollution 25 percent by 2020. The grassroots campaign to pass this bill was like nothing Maryland has seen in at least a generation. Tens of thousands of Marylanders mobilized for this bill, the governor strongly supported it, students and faith leaders were active, and 500 Maryland businesses endorsed the bill. To all of you who helped, we want to thank you very, very much.

But time ran out on the legislation when high-priced lobbyists for some of the state's most-polluting industries convinced Maryland's United Steelworkers Union to oppose the bill. Steelworkers were bused in during critical votes and, frankly, repeated widely untrue claims about the bill concerning jobs and energy cost increases. Repeated efforts at compromise were rebuffed by lobbyists for the steelworkers until time simply ran out. The result was a huge setback for a state so vulnerable to global warming that Allstate Insurance company is pulling out due to sea-level rise and bigger hurricanes.

Victories

EmPOWER Maryland (SB 205/HB 374)
Sets statewide coal to reduce per-capita electricity consumption by 15% by 2015. Was strongly supported by Gov. O'Malley as part of his energy plan.

RGGI - Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program (SB 268/HB 368)
The Fund will allocate funds from the upcoming sale of power plant "carbon allowances" to the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). MEA is directed to use the funds to assist low-income ratepayers and to provide energy-efficiency services. New or renovated state buildings and schools are also now required to meet strict energy-efficiency standards.

Renewable Portfolio Standards (SB 209/HB 375)
Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from 9.5 percent to 20 percent, requiring Maryland to get a full 20 percent of its total electricity from wind, solar and other renewable sources by 2022.

Solar and Geothermal Tax Incentive and Grant Program (HB 377/SB 207)
Expands the Solar Grant program, which encourages consumers to install small-scale solar and geothermal projects at their homes.

Campaign Summary

November Month of Action

We launched our campaign for the Global Warming Solutions Act by reaching out to the grassroots to organize events around the state to educate citizens on the bill. Eight Town Hall Meetings were held all over the state of Maryland, with a total of over 650 attendees. In addition, there were step it up events, a nature hike (where we talked about climate change and invasive species), and several smaller community events, such as a forum on renewable energy in Mt. Airy.

Flood Annapolis, January 17, 2008

At least 400 people from age two to 82 came from all over Maryland to gather on a weekday morning in a heavy snowstorm to show their support for the Global Warming Solutions Act. A green carpet was rolled out for legislators who signed on to the bill. Read more and watch the inspiring video of the rally>>

Rally with O'Malley, March 5, 2008

Three hundred Marylanders showed up to rally with Gov. O'Malley after he announced his "strong, strong support" for the global warming solutions bill. Watch a video of the rally>>

"The climate crisis is real, and we must act now to reduce global climate change. I believe if we act responsibly we can help reduce the effects of global warming, but also create thousands of green jobs for Maryland's economy."

-- Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, February 19, 2008

 

Washington Post Endorses Bill

On March 5th, the Washington Post endorsed the Global Warming Solutions Act. Read the editorial>>

Help the Job Crunch

Over 40 volunteers showed up to help us greet senators and give them crunch bars that said "Help End the Job Crunch: Clean energy Industries Create Jobs."

For more on our campaign, read the Maryland Section of our blog>>

Take Action
Thank Governor O'Malley for being a clean energy hero!
Governor O'Malley came out with his "strong, strong support" for the Global Warming Solutions Act. The bill would be one of the strongest bills in the nation to reduce the state's global warming pollution. It was a truly historic day, and when leaders do the right thing we should show our appreciation. Tell him he's your hero! MORE >

CCAN Blog: What's New
Connecticut gets my boyfriend
Connecticut became a leader today when their legislature passed a GWSA-type bill, creating mandatory caps on Connecticut’s global warming pollution. The bill was passed unanimously, 35-0 in the senate today and is expected to be signed by Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell. It would require pollution cuts to 10% below 1990 levels by [...] MORE >

Ride a Bike from NYC to DC, Stop Global Warming - ClimateRide.org
CCAN Members and all those who want action on global warming: Announcing the first ever multi-day supported bike tour to raise money and awareness to stop global warming.

From September 20th to 24th, Climate Riders will bike from NYC to DC. Along the way, expert speakers will address the group, and the ride will finish [...] MORE >

Saying goodbye to CCAN

Dear partners and friends,
After three and a half years of amazing climate action, I have decided to leave Chesapeake Climate Action Network. May 16th will be my last day. This has truly been one of the best experiences of my life, and by far my most gratifying work environment. [...] MORE >

Annapolis Blues Society hosts CCAN benefit
Letter from John Jensen, organizer of the Annapolis Blues Society:

Dear Friends,
On May 24, 2008…8:00 PM I’m taking part in the effort to raise awareness of our “global warming situation” by putting together a music concert to benefit the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN).
Some great musicians have joined in to make up a great bill [...] MORE >

Chesapeake Governors Sign Climate Declaration
20 governors, including Governors O’Malley and Kaine, signed the Governor’s Declaration on Climate Change at the 2008 Conference on Climate Change held at Yale University. The declaration states that first, a federal-state partnership is critical to success on climate change action; second, state-based actions have paved the frontier of climate change policies; and third, [...] MORE >

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