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WINS and LOSSES in Annapolis
. . . and no time to rest

 

THE VICTORIES

Climate activists had several victories in Annapolis this session. For any of these victories to take effect, however, the governor will need to SIGN THE BILLS.  If he vetoes them, lawmakers will need to vote to override. Please urge Gov. Hogan to sign these bills. Call 410-974-3901 (1-800-735-2258 for MD Relay) or email here. Suggested script is here. 

PASSED: The Clean Energy Jobs Act (SB516) doubles Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard policy to 50% renewable electricity by 2030 and requires the state to determine the best path to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2040. Unfortunately, polluting trash incineration still gets clean-energy subsidies. Utility Dive reports on the bill.

PASSED: Ban on polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) food containers (SB285/HB109) at businesses and schools. If the governor signs the bill, Maryland would become the first state to ban these containers. And, thanks to a new study, we now know that plastic bits from bags and Styrofoam are blowing around in the wind and reaching remote mountains. 

PASSED: Plastic bag fee (HB1166) gives Howard County the authority to impose a fee on single-use plastic bags at checkout.  

PASSED: Community solar pilot program  SB520/HB683. This pilot program is extended through July 1, 2022.

PASSED: Energy storage pilot project  SB573/HB650 Read about it here

NOT THIS YEAR

The Transportation Climate Accountability Act of 2019 (SB788/HB695HB91HB1091): Would have required studies about the climate effects of proposed highway expansion projects. These bills stalled in committee. (Former Gov. Parris Glendening wrote an op-ed about the need for this bill.)  

The Maryland Pipeline & Water Protection Act (SB387/HB669) would have required the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to conduct full, independent reviews of proposed fracked-gas pipelines using its authority under the federal Clean Water Act. MDE could not waive this authority as it did for the Potomac Pipeline. Unfavorable report in House Economic Matters subcommittee. (See the Climate News section to read about President Trump's plan to bypass states' use of the Clean Water Act and other protections.)

The Green Amendment (HB0472) would have added Marylanders' right to breathable air, uncontaminated water and a clean environment to the state Constitution. Unfavorable report in committee; withdrawn.

Read summaries about environmental and climate-related legislation from League of Conservation Voters  See our legislative page for more about these and other bills.
Earth Day Celebration at Clarksville Commons
Saturday,  April 27, 1 - 4 p.m. 
Clarksville Commons

Celebrate Earth Day:  A variety of local groups, including HoCo Climate Action, will have tables and information. 

 
Sunday, April 28, 2 - 4:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Howard County
A Decade of Listening, Learning and Acting

Mike Tidwell of CCAN will be the featured speaker as Earth Forum celebrates 10 years of building community to address climate change and promote sustainable living. Facebook eventDetails 

 

#GreenNewDeal town hall
by the Sunrise Movement

HoCo #GreenNewDeal town hall
Saturday, May 4, 2 - 4 p.m.
Owen Brown Interfaith Center, Columbia
Youth leaders in Howard County will explain how the Green New Deal is the biggest opportunity of our lifetime to invest in the American people.
 Sign up here. Email: hocosunrise@gmail.com
Here's a flier 
Get updates on the Facebook event page.

For inspiration: Don't miss this beautiful video message from a future Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, imagining how we got out of our climate crisis.

 Sign up to get more involved with the Sunrise Movement and the Green New Deal campaign.  

ALSO: #GreenNewDeal town hall
University
 of Maryland, College Park
Thursday, April 25, 8 p.m. 
Stamp Student Union, Prince George's room.
Register here.  


HoCo Climate Action appreciates your support.

Steering/Advocacy Team
Wednesday, May 8 
7 p.m.

at Betsy’s house.
Email Betsy or call
410-730-7740
if you plan to attend. 


HoCo Green Drinks
Thursday, April 18
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Frisco Tap House
Details
Howard County
Green Community
Leadership Award

Congratulations

Less Plastic Please


Ecology Institute

Community Solar
No Roof Required

Anyone who pays an electric bill, including renters,
 can subscribe to a local solar project and save money – with a 5% discount off your utility rate. Details 
If you have already signed up for Community Solar, please contact
HoCo Climate Action or Neighborhood Sun (240) 284-6245 to make sure HoCo Climate Action is listed as a referral.
 The Howard County Climate Collaboration
created an #ActionList 



Read all about it here

Learn to be part of
the climate change solution, in your garden, community and the world.
Dr. Sara Via is teaching  Climate Change: Impact and Solutions 
Details here    Sign up here
Comment deadline extended to stop fracked-gas
peaker plant



Thanks to many complaints, the deadline to comment on the proposed Crane fracked-gas peaker plant, is extended until May 3. Crane wants to turn a closed and unneeded coal plant into a highly polluting gas peaker plant. Comment here. More information here and here.
 Tesla raffle

Our partner, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, is having a Tesla raffle.
Tickets are $100. CCAN is selling only 1800 tickets. Raffle ends May 31.

Climate News

HoCoCA posted these items and so much more
on our Facebook page.
Please LIKE us and keep the updates coming.
More events and updates on Our Events Webpage:
www.hococlimateaction.org/events/MD-DC-Events
Calvin Ball outlines action on climate

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced 
numerous measures to help  stem the causes of climate change in our community. "At all levels -- global, national, state and local -- we face environmental concerns that demand our attention as well as our action," he said. Video here
How to donate to HoCo Climate Action
Please make checks payable to CCAN
(Chesapeake Climate Action Network)
with HoCo Climate Action on the memo line.

Mail to HoCo Climate Action 
10306 Champions Way, Laurel, MD 20723

HoCo Climate Action has partnered with Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) to achieve non-profit status. Donations are tax-deductible.


Forward our e-newsletter to a friend. 
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