As a CCAN spring fracking fellow, Darien was a major part of the successful campaign to ban fracking in his home of Prince George’s County!
Your age: 23
Where you live: Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Your profession: I am a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy. I just started working as a Program Assistant at the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment.
What are the impacts of climate change that hit closest to home for you?
An impact of climate change that hits closest to home for me is asthma. As an Upper Marlboro resident in the lower third of Prince George’s County, I am all too familiar with the dangerous effects that power plants and other major emitters of pollutants and greenhouse gases can have. These sources of pollution are often placed in minority, low-income and rural areas, with any complaints of their harmful effects disregarded or not properly addressed. There are several members in my family who have developed asthma as a result of factors such as poor air quality due to pollution from these sources.
Why did you decide to get involved in taking action on climate?
I decided to get involved in taking action on climate when I noticed the correlation between environmental issues and low-income or minority communities. These communities within the U.S and around the world feel the effects of climate issues the most and often have little to no knowledge or resources to fight it. I felt as though it was my duty to not only protect the health of those people, but to be sure to do my best to give them the tools necessary so that they can also fight for themselves and teach others to do the same.
What has inspired you most working with CCAN?
The thing that inspired me the most working with CCAN, particularly on the Prince George’s fracking ban campaign, was seeing the large variety of supporters coming together, regardless of age, race or economic background in order to push for the common goal of banning fracking in Prince George’s County, eventually resulting in the fracking ban coming to pass! CCAN and their allies were able to draw support from church leaders, community organizations, students, and everyday Prince George’s County residents; without which, the victory against fracking might not have been possible.
What do you hope to see happen in the next year to address climate change in Maryland?
In the next year, I hope to see the whole state of Maryland follow the example set by places such as New York and Prince George’s County and ban the dangerous practice of fracking throughout the state.
What do you like to do when you’re not advocating in your community?
Spending time with family and friends, playing sports (basketball and football), and listening to music
Who would you high five?
I’d high five all of the Prince George’s County residents who gave support, signed petitions, and met with their councilmembers to keep fracking out of Prince George’s County, and who continue to fight to keep the county healthy and safe for all residents.