Electric School Buses Blog – September

In September, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters of Maryland Education and Chispa Maryland continued working toward bringing more electric school buses to our state.

The highlight this month occurred in Montgomery County, where a Chispa Maryland Community Leader spoke in front of the Board of Education on September 24.

Veronica Carreto testified in support of the county’s continued transition to electric school buses. Chispa Maryland mothers, students, and leaders collected 435 petition signatures (!) calling on the Board to apply for a Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) grant to support the transition. Other Chispa Maryland leaders also attended the meeting to stand with Veronica and show community support for cleaner, healthier transportation for students.

CHISPA Maryland continued advancing our “Clean Buses for Healthy Kids” campaign through community engagement activities, including back-to-school events, community fairs, outreach tables, one-on-ones, and other events throughout the counties where we organizing!

These activities provided opportunities to continue raising awareness, educating, and engaging families about the importance of electric school buses and the benefits they can provide for children, families, and communities.

In addition, one of the primary efforts in recent months was increasing accountability with the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, and that continued in September. Chispa coordinated outreach to Board members and BCPS stakeholders and continued asking the district to establish clear goals and timelines for future electric school bus purchases and pursue available MEA funding. Chispa also continued engaging partners and stakeholders around Maryland’s Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Grant Program and sharing information about available funding opportunities that could support school bus electrification.

Maryland has been a national leader in electric school buses, and the Maryland LCV Education Fund and Chispa Maryland are working to ensure those electric school bus wheels keep turning!

Trevor Johnson2026-10-08T16:26:34-04:00October 8th, 2026|Categories: Electric-School-Buses, Our Work|

Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (MD LCVEF) is a proud member of Upgrade Maryland.

Upgrade Maryland works to upgrade Maryland’s homes and businesses with the most efficient electric equipment and healthy building standards that will keep bills low, safeguard our health, and help meet our climate goals.

It’s up to our utility regulators at the Maryland Public Service Commission to protect residents from unnecessary rate hikes to pay for this methane gas spending and jumpstart an equitable transition to clean heat.

Maryland LCV Education Fund supports a strong outcome from the PSC’s Future of Gas Proceeding to manage an intentional and planned transition off the gas system. Changing gas utility planning and operations are necessary to align with Maryland’s climate goals. The state aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 60% by 2030, and achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

See the Upgrade Maryland Action Guide for the Maryland Public Service Commission public hearing on the Future of Gas here.

Upgrade Maryland is calling on utility regulators to protect consumers by engaging in strategic planning for the future of our gas system.

By joining the 12 other states engaging in strategic gas system planning, Maryland utility regulators can direct investments wisely in the projects that will lower energy bills, keep Marylanders safe, clean up our air, deliver more comfortable homes, and reduce climate pollution from our buildings.

We’re working to educate the public about the proceedings and make sure the PSC hears from community voices, including consumer advocates, environmentalists, public health professionals, and faith leaders, as they engage in strategic planning with gas utilities.

Trevor Johnson2026-10-08T16:15:35-04:00October 8th, 2026|Categories: Clean Energy & Energy Efficiency|

Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (MD LCVEF) is a proud member of the Maryland Clean Heat Coalition (MCHC).

The MCHC works to advance policies to help residents equitably upgrade to healthier, more affordable homes. Educating people about utility affordability through clean energy is central to MD LCVEF’s mission. Maryland residents today rely on inefficient, polluting equipment that results in billions in health costs each year, drives up energy bills, and undermines our climate goals. By upgrading homes with clean, efficient, state-of-the-art systems, Maryland can deliver cleaner air, affordable energy, and healthier communities.

Maryland LCV Education Fund is committed to supporting a healthy environment for everyone in Maryland, which includes both indoor and outdoor air pollution. We are working with the Clean Heat Coalition to support strong state Clean Heat Rules, including a Clean Heat Standard and Zero Emissions Heating Equipment Standard.

Learn more about MCHC here.

Trevor Johnson2026-10-08T16:15:04-04:00October 8th, 2026|Categories: Clean Energy & Energy Efficiency|

Electric School Buses

We work with people like you to protect clean water, healthy air, and climate-resilient communities throughout Maryland. Electric school buses are an important part of this work. We are calling on school boards, education leaders, and elected officials to put the health of Maryland’s children first. Maryland kids need clean, zero-emission electric school buses.

You’ve taken the first step in supporting Maryland schools’ transition to electric school buses. Stay tuned to take more action and check out our resources.

Dannielle Lipinski2026-10-07T14:15:04-04:00October 7th, 2026|Categories: Electric-School-Buses|

Action Needed to Reduce Overfishing of Menhaden

Dannielle Lipinski2026-10-07T10:55:48-04:00October 7th, 2026|Categories: Action, Alert|

Workshop

Dannielle Lipinski2026-09-17T11:30:53-04:00September 14th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|

Electric School Buses August Event Roundup

The Chispa Maryland team was busy in August, talking about electric school buses and the benefits they can bring to students, parents, and school districts.

Morena started the month meeting and greeting at the National Night Out on August 4th in Colmar Manor, Prince George’s County.

Morena then went to the Colmar Manor Back to School event at the invitation of Colmar Manor Mayor Monica Casañas on August 13th. At both events in Colmar Manor, Morena and Promotoras met with numerous parents and discussed how electric school buses keep kids healthy in their critical developmental years.

A few days earlier, on August 12, Chispa Maryland hosted an Electric School Bus Town Hall, attended by Baltimore City School Board Commissioner Ashley Esposito. The event featured a presentation by Ramón Palencia-Calvo, Chispa Maryland Senior Director, on Electric School Buses. Watch messages from the event by a pair of Promotoras and Ashley Esposito HERE.

On the 19th, Morena visited the ever-popular Crossroads Farmers Market, in Takoma Park, Montgomery County for their “Back to School Bash” letting attendees know about the availability of funds for electric school buses.

The very next night, Morena, Eliseo and several Promotoras joined other Maryland LCV staff for the latest edition of Green Drinks Annapolis. In addition to some live music, folks heard from Natalie Buscemi, the Transportation Program Manager at the Maryland Energy Administration and Claire Alford, the Senior Eastern Regional Manager of Market Development at Highland Electric Fleets. Natalie and Claire shared their unique perspectives on electric school buses.

On August 22, CHISPA Maryland hosted a Solar-Powered Back-to-School Fair at Patagonia Baltimore, where over 100 community members and families learned about the electric school bus campaign and how to take action. Together, these efforts demonstrate CHISPA Maryland’s commitment to building community leadership and advancing environmental justice so every Baltimore City student can learn and travel in a clean, healthy, equitable environment for all.

On August 24, Morena returned to Takoma Park, where she visited Rolling Terrace Elementary School and spoke to parents about electric school buses, encouraging them to sign the petition that will urge their school district to apply for publicly available funding.

Eliseo rounded out the month by attending his second listening session hosted by new Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson. This was a follow-up to the initial session in late July, which Eliseo and several Promotoras attended. The listening sessions are opportunities for parents, students, educators, and community partners to let their voice be heard.

“It was encouraging to hear about their vision and priorities for building stronger schools for every student,” Eliseo said.

He continued:

“We were proud to be part of the conversation and to remind district leaders that environmental justice must also be a priority. Every child deserves to learn in a healthy environment with clean air, safe school buildings, and access to clean transportation, including electric school buses.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to make sure environmental justice was part of the discussion, and we look forward to continuing to work together to create healthier, stronger schools for all Baltimore City students.”

Know about the latest electric school bus news by following Chispa on Facebook, as well as the Maryland LCV pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Trevor Johnson2026-09-11T10:56:22-04:00September 11th, 2026|Categories: Blog, Our Work|

My Summer Internship

By Calvin Chrisfield

This summer, I had the pleasure of interning with the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund through the University of Maryland’s Do Good Impact Interns program. This was a fantastic experience that taught me so much about working in the environmental policy space and gave me valuable skills that I will bring with me as I complete my education and begin my career.

Going into this internship, I was thrilled at the opportunity to work with the Maryland LCV Education Fund. Through my public policy background and previous experience in the Maryland environmental policy space, I was familiar with Maryland LCV Education Fund’s work, and their reputation preceded them. I was honored to be given this opportunity to work with such a well-respected team and apply my public policy education to make a real-world difference.

Upon joining the team, I quickly learned that Maryland LCV Education Fund lived up to their reputation. I was able to work with some of the most passionate and politically savvy people I have ever met, learning every day to be a better environmental advocate.

The highlight of this experience was the opportunity to work on the Environmental Justice Storytelling Project. This project allowed me to tell the stories of several environmental justice leaders from across the state who have worked to make their communities a safer, cleaner, more sustainable place. Learning from these advocates has been incredibly inspiring, and it has been an honor to uplift their voices and tell their stories. You can read all of these stories here.

To any future Maryland LCV Education Fund interns, I’d love to leave a few pieces of advice. First, try to come into the office whenever you can. One of the best parts of this internship is the opportunity to meet and learn from the Maryland LCV Education Fund team, so make sure you take advantage of that opportunity whenever possible. Second, if you have something valuable to add to a conversation, add it. You are going to come into this internship with your own unique knowledge and experiences, so don’t be afraid to share that with the rest of the team when it applies. Finally, you will get out of this program what you put into it, so dive in headfirst. If you engage fully and allow the mission to inspire you, you will have a fantastic summer full of learning.

Calvin is studying public policy at the University of Maryland and expects to graduate in 2027. You can find his LinkedIn here.

Trevor Johnson2026-09-03T14:13:36-04:00September 3rd, 2026|Categories: Blog|

Maryland is building the Foundation for This Transition

2019

School Bus Transition (HB 1255)

Directs MDE and MDOT to provide technical assistance to school districts and contractors to plan and deploy electric school buses and charging infrastructure.

2022

Climate Solutions Now Act (SB 528)

Requires school districts to purchase only zero-emission buses starting in 2025 (with technology and funding waivers).
Establishes a utility electric school bus pilot program covering incremental administrative and operating costs.

Electric School Bus Funding

Funding Source & Round	Launch Year	Amount
EPA Round 1 (Rebates)	2022	$965,000,000
EPA Round 2 (Grants)	2023	$965,000,000
EPA Round 3 (Rebates)	2023	$900,000,000
Maryland VW Trust	2019	$2,500,000
Maryland MDE Grant	2024	$3,000,000
Maryland MEA FY25	2024	$12,000,000
Maryland MEA FY26	2025	$4.900,000
Maryland MEA FY27 (MHD-ZEV)	2026	$12,500,000

Trevor Johnson2026-09-11T11:02:38-04:00September 1st, 2026|Categories: Our Work|

Baltimore City: Connecting People With Clean, Affordable Energy

By: Kimberly Armstrong, as told to Calvin Chrisfield

The opinions shared in this piece are those of the speaker and/or the person being featured in the story. They do not necessarily reflect those of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.

Baltimore community leader and Maryland LCV board member Kimberly Armstrong. Image by Kimberly Armstrong

In Baltimore City, environmental justice is a paramount issue. Nearly the entire city is classified as both “overburdened” and “underserved,” and some parts of the city play host to multiple sources of pollution, including trash and litter, air pollution from cars and trucks, and legacy industrial pollution from the city’s several power plants and industrial sites.

In her search for solutions to environmental injustice, Baltimore community leader and Maryland LCV board member Kimberly Armstrong noticed that the city’s most vulnerable communities are underrepresented in environmental spaces, with environmental programs and organizations failing to adequately reach the communities they are meant to serve.

Helping Community Solar Lower Electricity Bills

Compounded with exposure to multiple pollution sources, many low-income Baltimoreans also struggle with monthly healthcare and energy bills. In recent years, Baltimore Gas and Electric’s (BGE’s) electricity rates have skyrocketed, increasing by over 33% since 2020—about twice the inflation rate. These rate hikes have put significant financial strain on Baltimore City residents, many of whom are struggling to keep up.

One option for Marylanders to save on utility bills is the state’s community solar program. Community solar allows residents to enjoy the benefits of solar energy without needing to install any solar panels on their property. These programs allow Maryland residents to subscribe to solar farms in their area, both saving on their electricity bills and reducing the grid’s reliance on fossil fuels. This includes Marylanders who live in apartments or homes poorly suited to solar panels. Maryland’s community solar law is written so that electricity provided by community solar is always less than the standard offer service rates. Residents who participate in the program can save anywhere from 10% to 30% on their electricity bills, helping lessen the burden of rising electricity rates.

Community solar allows residents to purchase clean energy while also lowering their electricity bills. Source: https://environment.umn.edu/events/6-things-we-learned-about-the-power-of-community-solar/

Yet, Kimberly noticed that community solar providers were having trouble connecting with residents in her community.

“One of the reasons developers and customer acquisition organizations have a difficult time connecting with the community is because the communities are an afterthought and not a forethought…I never underestimate the power and voice of the community because I’m one of them!” -Kimberly Armstrong

In response, Kimberly drew upon her decades of outreach experience and strong community connections to found Urban Clean Energy, an outreach consulting organization aimed at helping clean energy providers better connect with the communities they serve.

Kimberly consulted with several community solar providers, including Solar United Neighbors, Generation180, Neighborhood Sun, and Solar4All—a school-based community solar project in her community. She assisted with educating and engaging residents in the community, improving their customer acquisition techniques to better connect with local residents. This work even included promoting a community solar project in her own neighborhood, helping bring the benefits and savings of solar energy to her friends and neighbors.

Workforce Development Through Offshore Wind

In addition to helping people lower their electricity bills and reducing Maryland’s reliance on fossil fuels, clean energy programs can help bring jobs to the state. However, Kimberly noticed that people of color and marginalized communities are often underrepresented in environmental careers.

In response, in 2023, Kimberly co-founded the Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative (BGJWC), a workforce development organization seeking to help people from marginalized and underserved communities find jobs that promote environmental justice for their communities.

Offshore wind turbines off of the coast of Virginia Beach. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coastal_Virginia_Offshore_Wind_11.jpg

Currently, Maryland has two proposed offshore wind projects: MarWin and Momentum Wind. Together, these projects are anticipated to not only produce 1.7 gigawatts of clean electricity—enough to power 650,000 homes—but also create 13,600 jobs. Seeing this opportunity, Kimberly and BGJWC began to focus their efforts on offshore wind’s job opportunities. While the turbines will ultimately be installed in the ocean off the coast in Ocean City, Maryland, there are job opportunities being created through offshore wind throughout the state, including in Baltimore City.

BGJWC Offshore Wind and Related Industries Pre-Apprenticeship program. Image by Kimberly Armstrong.

In 2024, BGJWC launched its Offshore Wind and Related Industries Pre-Apprenticeship program, a 12-week training program to help people develop the skills needed for a career in offshore wind. Through hands-on classes led by industry experts, BGJWC helped trainees better understand the offshore wind industry and learn important safety skills. Trainees could also gain CPR, first aid, and several Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) certifications, helping them become attractive applicants for offshore wind jobs. Since then, the program has graduated two cohorts of trainees, who have gone on to have careers in areas like construction and nursing.

Trevor Johnson2026-08-27T09:56:03-04:00August 27th, 2026|Categories: Environmental Justice Story|

12 Next

Electric School Buses

Maryland is building the Foundation for This Transition

2019

School Bus Transition (HB 1255)

2022

Climate Solutions Now Act (SB 528)

Electric School Bus Funding

Helping Community Solar Lower Electricity Bills

Workforce Development Through Offshore Wind

Upcoming Events

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Conservation Conversations 10/21/2026

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