Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) is a state-wide, nonpartisan organization that uses political action and education to protect our air, land, water, and communities. Maryland LCV endorses and elects pro-conservation candidates and holds elected officials accountable through legislative scorecards and advocacy.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Maryland LCV is best known for our comprehensive yearly scorecard that evaluates and reports on the votes of individual state legislators on key environmental bills. Additionally, on a bi-annual basis, Maryland LCV evaluates and reports on the Governor’s environmental record. We also closely monitor key actions of state agencies and executive appointments.
ADVOCACY
We work with our colleagues in the environmental community to push for sound conservation laws such as the 2013 Offshore Wind Act, the septics tier map, 2019 Clean Energy Jobs Act, the 2017 Ban on Hydraulic Fracturing, and the 2016 Ban of Neonicotinoid Pesticides, to name but a few. Each year, we ensure that environmental values are reflected in the state’s budget priorities and have worked to retain millions of dollars of funding for land conservation through Program Open Space. We educate and mobilize the public to lobby for sound conservation policies and funding.
ELECTIONS
During Maryland’s statewide elections, we endorse environmental candidates, run strategic campaigns aimed at electing pro-conservation candidates, mobilize volunteers, educate voters, and elevate environmental issues. In 2018, 86% of Maryland LCV-endorsed candidates won their election.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Maryland League of Conservation Voters embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice. We view these pillars as crucial to building healthy environments for everyone in Maryland. We are committed to supporting and amplifying a diverse and inclusive environmental movement by:
- Intentionally building our organizational capacity and nurturing external partnerships that represent the diversity in Maryland, including constituencies most disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental injustices to achieve this vision of inclusivity;
- Advancing an equitable and just climate change policy agenda;
- Using our voices to fight systemic racism and ensure fair treatment and equitable environmental opportunities and outcomes;
- Supporting the power of Black and Brown people and disadvantaged communities to meaningfully address environmental burdens and injustices;
- Advocating for access to clean air and water, and safe and healthy communities;
- Enlisting and supporting diverse candidates running for public office and elected officials who share our diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice ideals and are passionate about advancing them.