We’re Not Done Fighting for Climate Action

By Kai Mateo, Federal Campaign Manager

I’m going to level with you. This is a difficult moment.

By now, you’ve probably seen that West Virginia Senator Manchin has announced his opposition to the current version of the Build Back Better Act. With a 50-50 split in the Senate and members of one party refusing to even consider supporting this transformative piece of legislation, Senator Manchin’s reversal is a big deal. To be honest with you, when I heard this news on Sunday, I felt disappointment, frustration, and fear. 

But thinking about the work we and our allies have done, I also felt something else: determination. I thought about all the work you have done together to bring us to this point. I started working as Federal Climate Campaign Manager for Maryland in April. Since then, volunteers like you have consistently impressed and inspired me with your tenacity. We’ve told our stories in virtual and in-person events. We’ve written letters to the editors of our local papers. We’ve called, emailed, and delivered petitions to our legislators. We’ve created art, and we’ve knocked on 1000s of doors to bring more people into our movement.

And we’re not even close to being done fighting for the good green jobs that will sustain families, for the transition to clean energy that will address the root causes of climate change, and for the specific policies that will address environmental justice for Black, Brown, and low-income Americans. The Build Back Better Agenda will be the strongest action the United States has ever taken to combat the climate crisis.

This bill will put the U.S. on track to save people $500 a year on their energy bills, cut climate pollution in half by 2030, invest directly in communities of color too often left behind, and create good-paying union jobs. These policies are overwhelmingly popular. The vast majority of people are on our side.

I know this is not the end of the year many of us had hoped for, but the fight isn’t over. We’re getting ready for the next round. We’re not going to give up. 

Will you join us? Click here to tell your Senators and your Representative that you’re not giving up and you’re determined to see climate action now.

I hope you, your family, and your friends have safe and Happy Holidays! 

Kai 

The post Update from Federal Campaign Manager on Build Back Better appeared first on Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

Remembering Bernie Fowler

Former State Senator Bernie Fowler accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award at Maryland LCV’s 2008 Kabler dinner.

Maryland LCV remembers Bernie Fowler, who passed away on December 12 this year.

Former State Senator Bernie Fowler poses with former Senator Barbara Mikulski at Maryland LCV’s 2008 Kabler Award dinner.

Bernie Fowler’s story and legacy is a reminder to how meaningful and impactful on person can be. We awarded former State Senator Fowler with a lifetime achievement award in 2008 for his tireless devotion and advocacy for Maryland’s treasured Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River. Bernie brought knowledge, passion and tenacity to his work to protect our air, land, water, and communities. He will be missed and we send our thoughts to his family.

The post Remembering Bernie Fowler appeared first on Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 17, 2021

Environmental Groups Celebrate Maryland Public Service Commission’s Approval of New Offshore Wind Projects

This decision brings over 1600 MW of new offshore wind plus economic development while protecting marine life and reducing community pollution.

MARYLAND — Earlier today, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved more than 1,650 MW of proposed offshore wind projects filed by US Wind and Skipjack Offshore Energy. This decision locks US Wind and Skipjack into economic development commitments across Maryland for the offshore wind industry. 

“It is urgent that Maryland transitions away from fossil fuels toward clean energy,” said Susan Stevens Miller, a senior attorney on Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign. “The approval of both the US Wind and Skipjack projects is a critical step in meeting that demand. We must continue to grow Maryland’s wind energy industry to bring more jobs to local Maryland communities, clean our air, and tackle Maryland’s ambitious climate goals.”

In its Order, the PSC awarded Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits to US Wind for a 808.5 MW project that will consist of approximately 55 turbines, with the closest turbine located no more than 15 miles off the coast from Ocean City; and to Skipjack’s 846 MW project that will consist of approximately 60 turbines, with the closest turbine located no more than 20 miles off the coast from Ocean City. The PSC is calling on the developers to create a minimum of 10,324 direct jobs during the development, construction and operating phases of the projects; commit to certain goals to engage small, local and minority businesses; pass 80% of any construction costs savings to ratepayers; and contribute $6 million each to the Maryland Offshore Wind Business Development Fund.

“Offshore wind offers the promise of abundant clean renewable energy, but it will require strong policy support to jumpstart. The approval of these new projects is a key milestone for Maryland, showing Maryland is in the game not just to participate, but to win the offshore wind race. This decision rockets Maryland into the vanguard of offshore wind development. We are excited that both projects are planning to invest in local manufacturing and supply chains, helping to grow the clean energy economy right here in Maryland,” said Josh Tulkin, Sierra Club Maryalnd Chapter Director.

With the passage of the Clean Energy Jobs Act in 2019, Maryland continued its commitment to being a leader in the burgeoning offshore wind industry by requiring at least an additional 1,200 MW of offshore wind development by no later than 2030. 

“This is a great first step for Maryland to reclaim its position as a national leader in clean energy solutions and offshore wind energy must be a prominent part of the equation. These projects have the potential to generate an enormous amount of electricity without contributing to climate change. And as these projects move forward, it is also crucial that Maryland’s overburdened and underserved communities have equal access to the opportunities created by offshore wind energy,” said Kim Coble, Executive Director, Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

Offshore wind is one of Maryland’s most abundant renewable energy resources available and is a keystone tool for the state to meet its climate action laws and move away from polluting fossil fuels. Maryland’s offshore wind energy laws help ensure that the growing offshore wind energy industry is rooted in ensuring local, high quality jobs, and investments in growing more minority- and women-owned businesses.

“This is a truly exciting result for folks on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We have been fighting for more clean energy and jobs for years and can’t wait to see turbines in the water. We are so grateful for the Marylanders that spoke up and supported growing the clean energy economy,” said Cindy Dillon, Chair of the Sierra Club’s Lower Eastern Shore Group.

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