On January 26 2012, CCAN and EIP celebrated our first major victory in the fight against dirty power plants in Maryland when First Energy announced that it will close the R. Paul Smith coal-fired power plant in Williamsport by September 1, 2012!

We got word this morning that GenOn has agreed to close its Potomac River coal-fired power plant in Alexandria, a victory for CCAN, Sierra Club, Greenpeace and Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light, which have been working together with local residents to convince the company to shut it down. We've collected petition signatures, held rallies and even held a candlelight vigil at the plant.

CCAN had an integral role in negotiating the nation's strongest coal ash landfill permit for a site in Baltimore city.

Measure will provide low-cost loans for residential solar energy projects

RICHMOND – On the heels of Secretary Salazar’s offshore wind energy announcement today in Norfolk, both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly have passed the Voluntary Solar Resource Fund Bill (HB 2191 and SB 975), which aims to set up a revolving loan fund for residential solar energy projects. The loan program will promote economic development and the production of clean, renewable energy at no cost to the state.

*CCAN helped to push for a similar report during the 2010 General Assembly session through legislation. Though the legislation was not passed, it was instrumental in leading the governor to issue this Executive Order. A press release from Governor O'Malley's office is below.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (July 23, 2010) - Continuing to lead Maryland toward a more sustainable future, Governor Martin O'Malley today signed Executive Order 01.01.2010.16 directing the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to prepare a Long-Term Electricity Report for the State by the end of next year. The first such report in 20 years will evaluate Maryland's long-term electricity needs and will include a comprehensive review of alternatives to meet those needs.

(Richmond, VA) - In a momentous victory for clean energy advocates in Virginia, a Richmond Circuit Court judge ruled today that the State Air Pollution Control Board violated federal environmental law in permitting Dominion Power's coal-fired power plant in Wise County in the southwest corner of the state.

ANNAPOLIS -The Chesapeake Climate Action Network today praised the Maryland General Assembly for approving strong legislation to address global warming in Maryland. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act, SB 278 and HB 315, will protect Maryland's environment and economy while also spurring strong action at the federal level to address global warming nationwide.

WASHINGTON, May 13-A bill aimed at strengthening tailpipe emissions standards in Washington, DC became law today. The "Clean Cars Act" will regulate carbon dioxide emissions from all cars registered in the District beginning in 2011 and ensures that DC will greatly reduce its contribution to global warming.

DECEMBER 4—The Alliance for Global Warming Solutions – a coalition of local organizations combating climate change – today expressed support for the first report of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change. The report outlines early action items to decrease the state’s global warming pollution.