FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2021
Contact:
Laura Cofsky, laura@chesapeakeclimate.org, 571-275-6696 OR 202-642-9336
Jamie DeMarco, jamie@chesapeakeclimate.org, 443-845-5601
Senator Paul Pinsky, CCAN Action Fund’s Anthony Field, Erica Weiss of MPHA, Ben Roush of FSi Engineers, Thomasina Poirot of Baltimore Tree Trust, Joyce Breiner of Poolesville Green, and CCAN Action Fund’s Jamie DeMarco gave impassioned speeches against a backdrop of electric car-filled streets in Maryland’s capital
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Today, two dozen electric cars decorated with signs, flags, and magnets encircled the Maryland state capitol building, followed by speeches from noted leaders. The event was in support of the groundbreaking environmental bill, “Climate Solutions Now,” which if passed would be the most progressive state climate legislation in the country.
Speakers included bill co-sponsor Senator Paul Pinsky (D-Prince Georges), Board Member Thomasina Poirot of Baltimore Tree Trust, Erica Weiss who is board member of the Maryland Public Health Association (MPHA) and co-chair for MdPHA’s Advocacy Committee, Maryland Policy Director Jamie DeMarco of CCAN Action Fund Campaign Coordinator Anthony Field of CCAN Action Fund, Executive Director Joyce Breiner of Poolesville Green, and Principal Ben Roush of FSi Engineers.
The “Climate Solutions Now” Act would mandate a 60% reduction in emissions, based on 2006 levels, by 2030, and net zero by 2045. Some climate groups are referring to this popular provision as “60% with justice.” The bill would also create new good-paying jobs, increase our energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. And a major piece in the bill will require 100% of new state buses to be zero emission after 2022 and 100% of light duty state vehicles to be zero emission after 2027.
“The state must pass the Climate Solutions Now Act so that we can ensure equitable investment into solutions that help ALL Marylanders,” said Campaign Coordinator Anthony Field from CCAN Action Fund. “That means expanding renewable energy access, moving away from fossil fuel powered vehicles that pollute our communities, and creating high-quality sustainable jobs.”
Rising temperatures have already damaged the health of the Chesapeake Bay, weakening the tourism and seafood industries that support many Maryland livelihoods. Maryland has the fourth most premature deaths in the nation caused by dirty energy-created air pollution. The 2020s are projected to bring more severe storms, more dangerous flooding, and more extreme heat.
“Public health experts across Maryland recognize that switching to clean and renewable energy will save lives,” said Erica Weiss, who is board member of the Maryland Public Health Association (MPHA) and co-chair for MdPHA’s Advocacy Committee. “It’s a critical step to protect the health of current and future generations.”
Over 100 organizations across the state will continue pushing for passage of the “Climate Solutions Now” Act. So far, it has passed in the state senate and awaits a final vote in the House. The Maryland General Assembly for 2021 ends April 12th.
The livestream of the event can be found on CCAN Action Fund’s Facebook page. If you’re interested in photographs from the event, contact Laura Cofsky, laura@chesapeakeclimate.org.
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The CCAN Action Fund is the advocacy arm of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For almost 20 years, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
