Several years ago I made the decision to work towards a just society by focusing on the environment and improving the environmental conditions in local communities. And every day I work alongside our Chispa Maryland volunteers and Promotores I know I made the right decision.
As the Director of Chispa Maryland, I see every day the passion and commitment of my community when it’s time to protect the health of our families and fight for a cleaner and healthier environment for all. Their passion and the fact that this is a matter of life or death for our families, since we are overexposed to air pollution and we are some of the most impacted by climate change is what moves me to work day after day energetically with our volunteers and Promotores.
Now we are working on an exciting campaign, Clean Buses for Healthy Niños or Kids. As a part of the settlement for Volkswagen cheating federal emissions tests, they are paying a $14.7 billion, of which Maryland is receiving 75 million and can use to upgrade our aging fleet of toxic diesel school buses to zero-emissions electric buses. Thanks to supporters like you, this campaign would be able clean the air in our communities, bolster the fight against climate change, and protect the lungs of the 623,000 kids who ride buses every day.
This is last in our series of staff stories, sharing what makes us so passionate about this work. I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing from us and continue to be such great supporters of my work with Chispa Maryland and the entire Conservation Voter Movement.
Saludos,
Ramon Palencia-Calvo, Chispa Maryland Director
Maryland LCV