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So far Dannielle Lipinski has created 210 blog entries.

Statement from Maryland LCV on the Biden Administration’s “30 by 30” Plan

Statement from Maryland LCV on the Biden Administration’s “30 by 30” Plan

On May 6, 2021 the Biden Administration released its new “America the Beautiful” report, which outlines steps the U.S. could take to protect 30 percent of U.S. lands and water by 2030. The Maryland League of Conservation Voters released the following statement in response to the announcement:

The Biden Administration’s commitment to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands, waters, and ocean by 2030 is great news for all Marylanders. The science is clear that conserving and restoring natural areas is an effective strategy to buffer against the worst impacts of climate change. With more than 7,000 miles of shoreline and approximately 265,000 acres of land that is less than five feet above sea level, Maryland’s coastal communities are among the most vulnerable in the country.

In addition, for too long low-income communities and communities of color in Maryland and elsewhere have not had access or representation when decisions that affect green spaces and nature are made. The result has been inequitable distribution of green space and adverse social, economic, and health consequences. The 30 by 30 plan will increase local participation in the decision-making process, bringing forward solutions that work for communities while protecting Maryland’s natural systems that are so crucial to our well-being and economic security. 

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Maryland LCV is known for educating lawmakers and holding them accountable for their leadership and votes on key environmental issues. Their annual scorecard, along with other reports, help inform voters about their legislators’ records.

By |2021-05-06T14:24:54-04:00May 6th, 2021|Categories: Blog, Clean Water and the Bay, Climate Change, DEIJ, Press|Tags: , |0 Comments
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Membership Survey

Create your own user feedback survey

By |2021-05-06T08:34:18-04:00May 6th, 2021|Categories: Blog|Tags: |0 Comments
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Remembering Louise Dunlap

Remembering Louise Dunlap

Mrs. Louise C. Dunlap was one of Maryland LCV’s earliest and strongest supporters. She was a courageous woman who valiantly fought at the federal level for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay. She co-founded and became president of the Environmental Policy Institute and the Environmental Policy Center in 1972, becoming the first female Chief Executive of a major U.S. national environmental organization.

When she and her late husband moved to southern Anne Arundel County, they became, and remained, very active in local and state politics. Louise was always ready and willing to give valuable advice and guidance on elections, politics, and the environment.

Mrs. Dunlap and her late husband, Joe Browder, were great champions of Maryland LCV and the environment and will be missed. We send our sympathies to her family and friends.

Read her obituary here.

By |2021-04-29T09:09:43-04:00April 29th, 2021|Categories: Blog|Tags: |0 Comments
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Staci Hartwell, Patrick Miller Join Governing Boards of Maryland LCV

IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        

April 22, 2021

Staci Hartwell, Patrick Miller Join Governing Boards of Maryland LCV

Annapolis, MD – Renewable energy expert Staci Hartwell and digital marketing executive Patrick Miller have been newly elected to the Board of Directors of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV). They will each serve a three-year term beginning April, 2021. Hartwell will serve on the organization’s education board and Miller will be part of the organization’s political board.

“Staci and Patrick bring a unique mix of industry knowledge, planning, and project management skills to the table,” said Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble. “They both also have experience working in the community and advancing environmental policies. As Maryland LCV works to maximize the participation of voters in Maryland conservation issues, Staci and Patrick’s leadership and expertise will be extremely valuable to us.”

Staci Hartwell honed her energy expertise while working with energy giant and innovator Tesla, where she mounted comprehensive strategies for increasing market share for solar. She developed a grassroots and “grasstops” approach to advancing the adoption of solar through faith-based, social and community groups, employment retraining organizations, and institutes of higher education. 

As a consultant, she has been responsible for the sales and installation of over 40 megawatts of residential, commercial, and industrial solar in Washington, DC, and Maryland. As a community volunteer/advocate, she serves as co-chair for Environmental and Climate Justice with the NAACP Maryland State Conference, where she has orchestrated the MD Solar Equity Initiative, a solar awareness, and jobs campaign; the “Earth Day Solar Awareness” project; and the internationally recognized “Climate Justice is Racial Justice” awareness campaign.

In 2014, Patrick Miller co-founded Flywheel Digital, which in 2018 became part of Ascential, a  British specialist information, data and ecommerce optimization company. Today, as co-president of Ascential’s Digital Commerce Division, Miller manages all product and technology initiatives for Flywheel and leads digital commerce marketing and strategy. 

Miller has focused on digital retail and brand success since 2010.  He previously oversaw the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s website and social media and has worked on numerous political campaigns managing websites, targeting, and voter contact. He is a graduate of James Madison University and volunteers for a number of environmental and trails-advocacy organizations.

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Maryland LCV is known for educating lawmakers and holding them accountable for their leadership and votes on key environmental issues. Their annual scorecard, along with other reports, help inform voters about their legislators’ records.

By |2021-04-22T16:33:31-04:00April 22nd, 2021|Categories: Blog, Press|Tags: |0 Comments
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Celebrate Earth Day every day

Celebrate Earth Day every day

This pandemic has reminded us of how valuable our public green spaces are to all Marylanders. Many families embarking on hiking trips to our state parks are one of the things many of us were able to look forward to during the pandemic. 

It’s also reminded us how very fortunate we are to live in a state with such extraordinary natural resources, from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to the mountains of Western Maryland. 

This Earth Day, we have compiled four ideas on how to safely celebrate Earth Day on April 22 and throughout the year. 

 

Enjoy one of Maryland’s extraordinary protected areas with your family or loved ones.  Learn about Earth Day events in our state parks on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.

 

 

 

Gather the folks in your “bubble” and spend a few hours tidying up one of your local green spaces, such as a community park.   

 

 

 

Help sustain and diversify Maryland’s environmental movement by supporting groups like Black Girls Vote which empowers Black women in Baltimore and beyond to use their voting power on key issues or Chispa Maryland which ensures that Maryland Latinx families and community leaders are a powerful voice for protecting our air, land, water, public health, and future.

 

 

Sign our pledge to be a “conservation voter.” If we are going to preserve Maryland’s environmental health for future generations, we need to make conservation a top priority with Maryland’s decision-makers. Get to know your representatives on the state and local level and tell them that environmental issues are important to you. 

 

 

When you pledge to be a Maryland Conservation Voter, we will give you tips on how to register to vote, update your voter registration, and use your vote, and voice, for the environmental issues that matter to you. 

Enjoy the outdoors this week, and happy Earth Day!

By |2021-04-22T16:01:48-04:00April 22nd, 2021|Categories: Blog|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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Maryland LCV Statement on Chauvin Guilty Verdict

Maryland LCV Statement on Chauvin Guilty Verdict

Annapolis, MD — In response to the jury’s finding that Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is guilty on all murder charges for killing George Floyd, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement:

“No court verdict will ever deliver real justice to Black people who have for too long been the victim of violence from police, but we are grateful that George Floyd’s killer will face some measure of accountability under the law. 

“Maryland LCV exists to protect Maryland’s land, air, water — and its communities. We will continue to advocate for and work towards solutions that bring real equity and justice for all Marylanders. Today and every day, we believe Black Lives Matter.”

By |2021-04-21T13:20:40-04:00April 21st, 2021|Categories: Blog, DEIJ, Press|Tags: , |0 Comments
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2021 Legislative Session Falls Short on Significant Climate Action but Brings Noteworthy Environmental Advances, says Maryland LCV

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2021                                                            

2021 Legislative Session Falls Short on Significant Climate Action but Brings Noteworthy Environmental Advances, says Maryland LCV

Annapolis, MD – Significant victories for Maryland’s environment were achieved during the 2021 Legislative Session, including advances in transit funding, a reformed Environmental Justice Commission, and a commitment to transition the state’s bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles, according to the state’s leading environmental watchdog group, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. The legislature failed to address the urgency of climate change, however, by allowing the Climate Solutions Now Act to languish in the bureaucratic process.

“The session was unprecedented in many ways because of the coronavirus, but Marylanders on the whole should be proud of the breakthroughs that were made on important environmental issues,” said Kim Coble, Maryland LCV’s executive director. “The transit funding bill will mean safer, and more equitable transit options for Marylanders, with the associated benefit of providing family-sustaining jobs. A reformed Environmental Justice Commission similarly sets us on a path for a more equitable Maryland, with fairer representation of more community members. And transitioning the state’s bus fleet to zero-emissions buses will be a win-win for budgets, communities, and our public health.

Coble expressed disappointment that the two chambers could not reach agreement and pass the Climate Solutions Now bill. 

“This bill would have taken steps in the right direction, particularly with regards to setting a definitive goal of net-zero emissions by 2045,” said Coble. “Science tells us we need stronger, faster emissions reductions to meaningfully address the urgency of the climate crisis, and statewide polling tells us that’s what Maryland voters want. It is disappointing that for the second year in a row, legislators were not able to pass a comprehensive bill that would adequately address the climate crisis.”

The Environmental Justice Commission Reform bill took steps forward to start to address environmental justice in Maryland. The Commission’s work will be critical if the state is to take the strong actions that are needed. “In the big picture, we still lack a comprehensive framework that advances equitable and just environmental policies in Maryland,” said Ramón Palencia-Calvo, Maryland LCV deputy executive director and director of Chispa Maryland. “We look forward to working with the reformed Commission to not only stop harmful pollution, but also support solutions that are community driven and geared toward creating social and economic opportunities in impacted communities.” 

“Marylanders should feel proud that we came together during this difficult legislative session to achieve progress on key environmental legislation,” said Coble. “And those of us working in the trenches also greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of our legislators over the past three months, especially under uniquely difficult conditions. We applaud the members and staff of the Maryland General Assembly and the Department of General Services for their diligence and leadership and look forward to working with them to take even bolder steps to address the climate crisis in the very near future.”

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Maryland LCV is known for educating lawmakers and holding them accountable for their leadership and votes on key environmental issues. Their annual scorecard, along with other reports, help inform voters about their legislators’ records.

By |2021-04-13T00:53:18-04:00April 13th, 2021|Categories: Policy, Press, Successes|Tags: , , , |0 Comments
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Broad Coalition Celebrates Passage of the Maryland Transit Safety & Investment Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8th, 2021

Broad Coalition Celebrates Passage of the Maryland Transit Safety & Investment Act
Group applauds passage of landmark bill to address longtime transit maintenance backlog, improve safety, reliability, equity and access; cautions that it’s a first step in a long process to shore up system

Annapolis, MD – A broad statewide coalition hailed final passage of the Transit Safety & Investment Act (HB 114), a critical measure to improve public transportation across the state. The bi-partisan bill, championed by Sens. Cory McCray and Craig Zucker and Del. Brooke Lierman, mandates minimum funding levels in MTA’s six year capital budget to begin to close the $2 billion gap in the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA’s) maintenance backlog. 

The coalition brought together supporters from a wide array of organizations: environmental, transportation, business, labor, disability rights, civil rights, education, workforce development, faith, healthcare, and community.

“For too long, our transportation system has been underinvested, affecting job security and the economy. This ends today, as the Act ensures that Maryland makes investments that meet capital needs so that we may have a safe and reliable transit system,” said Senator Cory McCray, representing Baltimore City’s district 45. “As a native of Baltimore City, in middle school and high school I had to take two buses to and from school. And that’s what this is really all about: making sure our children can get to school, our seniors can pick-up prescriptions, and that those who find public transit a necessity can depend on it.” 

The legislation mandates an average minimum amount of $451 million annually for MTA capital needs for the next six years, plus a minimum of $319 million in a seventh year, fiscal year 2029. The mandate ensures that the MTA will get close to the $462 million it needs to chip away at its backlog of deferred state of good repair needs. It will help maintain safety systems, bus shelters, buses, light rail, subway and MARC tracks and switches, and more.

“In infrastructure, you get what you pay for – and for the past six years, the Hogan Administration has refused to adequately fund our transit system. That has meant poor service, broken buses, unsafe rail, and aging infrastructure,” said Delegate Brooke Lierman, representing Baltimore City’s district 46. “By passing the Transit Safety & Investment Act, the General Assembly has declared that Marylanders deserve safe and reliable transit to get them to work, to school, to the doctor and to other destinations. MTA has done the work of identifying the projects it needs to complete to have a robust and on-time system, and with this guaranteed funding over the next several years they will be able to undertake those important projects, helping to transform our region and building more prosperous families.”

“We are finally making sure the money hits the road with this strong investment  in our transportation infrastructure. I applaud all those who worked so hard to make this reality.”
– Senator Craig Zucker, representing Montgomery County’s district 14. 

Maryland’s metro subway, light rail, bus and commuter rail system is ranked among the worst states in the country for breakdowns and delays and its paratransit service is failing. The new funding will improve service and reliability and ensure the system’s trains, buses and facilities are safe. The bill also passed with an amendment sponsored by Senator Corderman that would require the Maryland Department of Transportation to study the cost and feasibility of expanding MARC service to Western Maryland.

The coalition is calling on Governor Hogan to sign the measure or allow it to pass into law when it reaches his desk. The group also stressed that while this legislation is an important step to improving public transit in Maryland, a lot remains to be done to modernize and expand the system so that it works for everyone.

Advocates from around the state weighed in on the legislation: 

“Essential workers who rely on MTA service have made an incalculable contribution to the public’s health and well-being throughout the pandemic; they deserve a first class transit system, not one riddled with delays and long-neglected repairs. The road to recovery is long but, thanks to the passage of the Transit Safety and Investment Act, we have taken an important first step toward building a safe, reliable transit system for our essential workers and riders.”
–Elizabeth Bunn, Maryland State Director, Labor Network for Sustainability

“We are elated that the Maryland General Assembly has taken this crucial first step to improve the public transit system in Maryland.  Maryland LCV’s own polling found that 76% of Maryland voters said that increasing the availability and quality of public transportation options should be a priority. It is great to see that legislators listened to their constituents. We can now begin to ensure Marylanders will have access to a reliable and safe transit system over individual transport, which is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland.”
-Kim Coble, Executive Director, Maryland League of Conservation Voters

“The passage of the Transit Safety and Investments Act puts urgent funding for an equitable, safe, and reliable public transportation system for Maryland in the hands of the people and their legislators – just where the future of transit belongs!”
– Samuel Jordan, President, Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition 

“This funding will help MTA fix their backlog of repairs. We hear complaints from transit riders about breakdowns, no-show buses, and riders in wheelchairs getting passed up by buses because bus wheelchair ramps are broken. It’s my hope that this funding will help improve the quality of service transit riders in Maryland receive for years to come.”
– Brian O’Malley, President & CEO, Central Maryland Transportation Alliance

“We are thrilled that the Transit Safety & Investment Act passed the General Assembly. This bill is a priority for the Sierra Club and the Maryland environmental community. All Marylanders deserve a safe and reliable transit system that reduces climate pollution and improves mobility.”
– Josh Tulkin, Director, Maryland Sierra Club

By |2021-04-08T15:08:54-04:00April 8th, 2021|Categories: Blog, Policy, Press|0 Comments
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Maryland League of Conservation Voters
30 West Street, Suite C
Annapolis, MD 21401

410-280-9855
info@mdlcv.org

By Authority: Maryland League of Conservation Voters Political Action Committee,
Marissa P. Brown, Treasurer

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