The group was specifically pleased to see the commission recommend such aggressive targets, including reductions of 25% below 2006 levels by 2020 and 90% by 2050. These strong targets are bolstered by recommendations for a major new energy efficiency program and increases to the state’s renewable energy standard, illustrating the commitment of commission participants to implementing the plan quickly.
“This forward thinking report is a fantastic first step in confronting the issue of catastrophic climate change,” said Claire Douglass, Maryland Campaign Coordinator for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a steering committee member of the Alliance for Global Warming Solutions. “Sea level rise associated with global warming will have a devastating impact on Maryland’s citizens and economy. It is heartening to see our state taking its future into its own hands, assuming a leading role on this global issue.”
While the Alliance applauded the targets as “visionary,” the group also expressed concerns over how the targets will be met. One major weakness in the report is the absence of early recommendations on the issue of transportation, which is particularly relevant as the administration is moving forward with construction of the Intercounty Connector.
“The targets are impressive, but the urgency of climate change requires we ensure that strong, achievable goals are matched with specific plans that can actually be implemented,” said Dave O’Leary of the Maryland Sierra Club. “By not taking early action on the issue of transportation – which is the second largest source of global warming pollution in the state – the likelihood of achieving these goals comes into question. That said, this is a welcomed first step and we look forward to working with the Commission to ensure the targets are achieved.”
The Alliance for Global Warming Solutions organized eight Global Warming Town Hall Meetings across the state this fall drawing over 650 citizens, and has delivered over 12,800 postcards to Governor O’Malley and the Commission from concerned Marylanders. As a next step, the Alliance plans to fill the streets of Annapolis on January 17th with hundreds of citizens demanding that we make these visionary targets into law by passing the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008.
For further comment or to speak with members of the Alliance for Global Warming Solutions please contact Cherie Yelton at 443-254-1602 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You may also visit www.alliancemd.org.
Steering Committee Members
Alliance for Global Warming Solutions, Cherie Yelton, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 443-254-1602
Sierra Club, Dave O'Leary, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 301-277-7111
Audubon Naturalist Society, Mike Harold, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 301-652-9188
Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Claire Douglass, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 240-396-1985
University of Maryland School of Nursing Environmental Health Education Center, Brenda Afzal, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 410-706-1778
Lutheran Office on Public Policy, Lee Hudson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 410-935-3696
Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Cindy Schwartz, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 240-535-6050
Environment Maryland, Brad Heavner, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 410-467-0439
Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance, Keith Losoya, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 410-342-1482
Alliance for Global Warming Solutions
Alliance for Sustainable Communities -Am Kolel Jewish Renewal Center -Anacostia Watershed Society -Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility -Cecil County Medical Society -Cedar Heights Civic Association -Center for a New American Dream -Chesapeake Climate Action Network – Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance (CSBA) -Clean Water Action -Committee on the Environment of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland -Community Ministries of Prince George's County -Environment Maryland -Environmental Integrity Project -Faith Community United Methodist Church -Generations for Peace and Democracy (GPD) -Global Warming Action Alliance -Goucher College Environmental Group – Hopkins Energy Action Team (HEAT) -Johns Hopkins University -League of Women Voters of Maryland – Maryland Green Party -Maryland League of Conservation Voters -Maryland United for Peace and Justice – Potomac River Association (PRA) -Progressive Cheverly -Sierra Club -Maryland Chapter -St. Marys College of Maryland Student Environmental Action Coalition -Sun Day Campaign -Towson Energy Activists – Towson University -U MD Students for Clean Energy -University of Maryland College Park