Maryland LCV Hosts statewide Town Hall with Rep. Steny Hoyer about how the Build Back Better Plan will benefit all Marylanders

For Immediate Release

July 13, 2021

Maryland LCV Hosts statewide Town Hall with Rep. Steny Hoyer about how the Build Back Better Plan will benefit all Marylanders

Annapolis, MD– Almost a hundred Marylanders tuned in Tuesday afternoon for a virtual Town Hall with Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer to discuss how the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better plan will directly benefit Marylanders. Community leaders asked the Congressman questions about how he will champion this ambitious clean energy, environmental justice, and jobs plan.

“I am glad to participate in this evening’s town hall with the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and people across our state who care deeply about how we can build Maryland back better,” said Congressman Hoyer. “Marylanders deserve strong investments in infrastructure that will help lay the foundation for our families, communities, and economy to thrive.

This means creating more union jobs with strong wages, addressing environmental and economic inequities in communities of color, addressing the climate crisis, and boosting our economy at the same time. That is why I am working hard to enact President Biden’s American Jobs Plan into law. I thank the Maryland League of Conservation Voters for hosting this discussion today and all the Marylanders who tuned in because they continue to believe strongly in the importance of a sustainable environment and a robust economy.”

“Marylanders have made clear that they support meaningful investments in climate, clean energy jobs, and justice,” said Kim Coble, Maryland LCV executive director. “The Biden Administration’s Build Back Better plan would deliver these investments, and we greatly appreciate Congressman Hoyer’s leadership role in promoting this much-needed plan.”

“We’re running out of time to tackle the climate crisis and address longstanding environmental injustice in this country,” said Matthew Davis, LCV Senior Director of Government Affairs. “It’s imperative for Congress to pass the entire Build Back Better agenda, and put us on the path to 100% clean energy in order to get people back to work in high-quality jobs while investing in ambitious climate solutions and environmental justice.”

“It is critical that working people are front and center as our economy transitions and that we create good, union jobs, while tackling the climate crisis,” said Dan Taylor, Regional Field Organizer with the BlueGreen Alliance. “The Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan is a great first step that puts people first as it ambitiously tackles today’s challenges.”

“Justice 40 holds tremendous promise for fence line communities in the fight against climate change. To make the promise a reality, the NAACP Maryland State Conference implores our legislators to build in specific language to the funding, oversight, interventions, and authority, to ensure organizations, which have historically been instruments for imposing discriminatory, race-based policies and practices, use the funding as intended.” said Staci Hartwell, Co-Chair, NAACP Maryland State Conference, Environmental and Climate Justice Committee.

“It’s important to ensure that water is a central component of any infrastructure package. We want to see both investment in hard infrastructure and flood-resilient nature-based infrastructure. Wetlands, trees, and aquatic ecosystems are critical to water health as well as drinking water pipes and wastewater treatment facilities,” said Rosa Hance, Maryland Sierra Club Chapter Chair.

“Preservation is not exclusively about the physical power of preserving historic buildings and sites,” said Nicholas Redding, President and CEO of Preservation Maryland. “Preservation is also a valuable workforce development tool; trained hands within trades careers are required to complete vital revitalization and restoration work across the state.”

“The immediate health effects of climate change, such as heat related deaths in the Pacific Northwest, are increasing dramatically. The Biden administration climate plan is ambitious and needs to be passed this year to provide impetus for action to prevent even more catastrophic events in the future. Personally, as a physician, this is a moral imperative. We applaud Congressman Hoyer’s work on this issue.” said Christine D. Berg, M.D. of Greenbelt Climate Action Network.

“The Build Back Better plan will begin to address systemic crises in our frontline communities, including the interconnected challenges of climate change, COVID-19, the economic crisis, and racial injustice,” said Wandra Ashley-Williams, Maryland Regional Director of Climate XChange.

“Access to clean water is essential to a better, healthier, more equitable future. Yet many children and families across the U.S. still do not have access to safe sanitation or lead-free water from their taps—especially in low-income communities of color,” said Becky Hammer, Senior Attorney & Deputy Director of Federal Water Policy at NRDC. “President Biden’s American Jobs Plan would replace 100% of the lead pipe and service lines and modernize the nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems—all at no cost to homeowners.”

“Congress needs to invest in clean water for all and environmental justice for the communities that have borne the brunt of decades of pollution and economic decline,” said Willis Kliefoth, Director of Digital Communications for Potomac Conservancy. “The American Jobs Plan provisions for green jobs, environmental justice, and nature-based infrastructure are key aspects of a bold, holistic vision for economic recovery that will make our communities healthier and more resilient, restore wildlife habitat, and ensure an equitable transition to a green jobs-based economy.”

Partners for this event included Strong Future Maryland, CCAN, GCAN, Sierra Club- SoMD, National Wildlife Federation, Preservation MD, NAACP-MSC, Climate X Change, NRDC, Potomac Conservancy, and Blue Green Alliance.

This event was recorded and streamed live on facebook.

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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.

Mdlcv.org

By Dannielle Lipinski|2021-07-13T17:03:36-04:00July 13th, 2021|Categories: Press|Tags: American Jobs Plan, Build Back Better, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Town Hall|0 Comments

Maryland LCV Lauds Senators Cardin and Van Hollen for Chesapeake Bay Funding Efforts

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) are leading Democratic senators from throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in urging the leadership of the Senate Committee on Appropriations to support strong funding levels for several agencies and programs vital to the recovery and stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay. The Senators’ funding request is here.

“The Chesapeake Bay is a natural treasure that is crucial to Maryland’s voters, watermen, businesses, and tourism,” said Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble. “Senators Cardin and Van Hollen have long fought to restore the Chesapeake and for sound water policies that ensure everyone in Maryland has clean water to drink, explore, and enjoy. We once again thank Maryland’s Senators for their efforts to ensure the Chesapeake Bay’s continued restoration is fully funded and prioritized.”

By Dannielle Lipinski|2021-06-23T19:12:22-04:00June 23rd, 2021|Categories: Blog, Clean Water and the Bay, Policy, Press|Tags: chesapeake bay, Kim Coble, Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen|0 Comments

Maryland LCV Hosts statewide Town Hall with special guest, Senator Chris Van Hollen about the benefits of the American Jobs Plan for all Marylanders

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2021

Maryland LCV Hosts statewide Town Hall with special guest, Senator Chris Van Hollen about the benefits of the American Jobs Plan for all Marylanders

Annapolis, MD– Over a hundred Marylanders tuned in Tuesday afternoon for a virtual Town Hall with special guest Senator Chris Van Hollen to discuss the federal American Jobs Plan and how the plan will directly benefit Marylanders. Community leaders asked the Senator questions about how he will champion this much-needed economic, environmental, and equity-driven policy.

“Marylanders are urging our elected leaders to create good-paying jobs while tackling climate change and environmental racism,” said Kim Coble, Maryland LCV executive director. “We are grateful to Senator Van Hollen for his leadership on this essential policy. A large majority (83%) of Maryland voters are clear that they support the investments of the American Jobs Plan in climate, clean energy jobs, and justice.”

“It’s time for Congress to pass the American Jobs Plan and get millions of people back to work in high-quality jobs while investing in ambitious climate solutions, environmental justice, and clean energy,” said Tiernan Sittenfeld, LCV SVP of Government Affairs. “We are running out of time to tackle the climate crisis and address longstanding environmental injustice in this country.”

“As our country builds back from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have the chance to modernize and build our infrastructure for the 21st century while tackling climate change and creating good-paying jobs. President Biden’s American Jobs Plan lays the foundation for a more inclusive economy that expands opportunity for Marylanders and folks across our country. I’ve been proud to fight for many provisions within this plan, including legislation to create a national climate bank, cut energy costs for homeowners, create clean energy jobs and technology, and invest in efforts to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and boost our state’s economy. I am committed to working in Congress to see these provisions through and ensure a brighter future for every Marylander,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“Access to clean water is essential to a better, healthier, more equitable future. Yet many children and families across the U.S. still do not have access to safe sanitation or lead-free water from their taps—especially in low-income communities of color,” said Becky Hammer, Senior Attorney & Deputy Director of Federal Water Policy at NRDC. “President Biden’s American Jobs Plan would replace 100% of the lead pipe and service lines and modernize the nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.”

“Preservation is not exclusively about the physical power of preserving historic buildings and sites,” said Nicholas Redding, President and CEO of Preservation Maryland. “Preservation is also a valuable workforce development tool; trained hands within trades careers are required to complete vital revitalization and restoration work across the state.”

“Between climate change, COVID-19, the economic crisis, and racial injustice, we find ourselves in the midst of an interconnected series of epidemics with shared, systemic roots. Unless those root causes are addressed, crises will continue to grow in those same frontline communities,” said Wandra Ashley-Williams, Maryland Regional Director of Climate XChange and Maryland State Conference NAACP. “With the American Jobs Plan, we have the opportunity to address these through Justice 40: the idea that 40% of the funding in the American Jobs Plan will go to local and frontline communities affected by climate change the most.”

Partners for this event included Strong Future Maryland, Maryland Forestry Foundation, Greenbelt Climate Action Network, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, National Wildlife Federation Action Fund, Preservation MD, NAACP MSC, Climate XChange, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Potomac Conservancy, and NRDC.

This event was recorded and streamed live on facebook.

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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 Dannielle Lipinski|2021-06-24T09:09:28-04:00June 23rd, 2021|Categories: Blog, Climate Change, Community/ Government, DEIJ, Press|Tags: American Jobs Plan, Climate Recovery, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Town Hall|0 Comments

LCV and MD, NJ, NY, PA, OR affiliates laud House Committee passage of INVEST in America Act

Washington, D.C. — The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and its statewide affiliates from five key states lauded the passage of landmark legislation designed to create jobs by investing in efforts to curb climate change through an important committee.

a once-in-a-generation comprehensive proposal to put the United States on the path to addressing our global climate crisis by investing $2.2 trillion to create millions of good-paying, high-quality jobs rebuilding the United States’ crumbling infrastructure.

“We applaud Chairman DeFazio for his leadership on this comprehensive surface transportation bill which will help to move our country toward a pollution-free future while creating good jobs in the process, “said Sara Chieffo, LCV Vice President of Government Affairs. “The INVEST in America Act includes transformative investments that will help maintain and improve public transit, accelerate fleet transition to zero-emission vehicles, and strengthen passenger rail. This is just the beginning – it’s time for Congress to pass the full American Jobs Plan — the plan that centers climate, clean energy, jobs, and justice and has the backing of labor unions, environmental justice leaders, businesses, and local leaders from across the country. We must seize this opportunity to make once-in-a-generation progress.”

Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, the New York League of Conservation Voters, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, and Oregon League of Conservation Voters hailed votes to approve the INVEST in America Act from members of Congress from their states.

“People don’t tend to think of committees as thrilling catalysts of great change, but the legislation passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will change the world,” said Josh McNeil, executive director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvanians and our fellow Americans will gain good jobs, breathe cleaner air, and enjoy modern trains, bridges, and water pipes because of this moment.”

“Investments in public transit and modernizing our electric grid will create well-paying union jobs while helping to curb harmful emissions that cause climate change and exacerbate public health problems, including asthma and heart disease, that disproportionately affect communities of color,” said Ed Potosnak, executive director, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “We want to thank our environmental champions for moving this critical legislation through Congress.”

In New Jersey, Reps. Donald Payne, who chairs the Subcommittee on Railroads, and Tom Malinowski voted in favor of advancing the legislation.

Today’s move represents an important step in Congress advancing the president’s infrastructure agenda. Following this key committee vote, and we expect the INVEST in America Act will soon be up for a vote on the House floor.

“We constantly receive new data confirming the urgency of reducing emissions that cause climate change and health problems, especially in frontline and fenceline communities,” said Maryland LCV executive director, Kim Coble. “We thank Maryland’s congressional delegation for recognizing the critical role reforming transportation policy must play in putting people to work while protecting our environment and our most vulnerable communities.”

“As Washington prepares to finalize the American Jobs Plan, New York congressmembers are helping to make it a reality,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “Transportation is the leading contributor to climate change in New York and nationwide. The INVEST in America Act, which is in line with the goals of the American Jobs Plan, would fund mass transit and rail while prioritizing frontline communities. It will cut emissions, promote clean transportation, and create good-paying green jobs. It will also make commuting easier for New Yorkers by investing in Amtrak’s bridges and tunnels like the proposed Gateway Tunnel. This progress reiterates that our climate recovery goes hand in hand with our economic recovery.”

“For over 30 years, the people of Oregon have called Chairman DeFazio an environmental champion, and his leadership to pass new comprehensive transportation reform shows you why,” said Doug Moore, Executive Director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. “If we are going to tackle climate change, we need to fundamentally change how we move around our state and country. The INVEST in American Act accelerates our transition to clean transportation options, electric vehicles, and will improve air quality for millions of people across Oregon and the country. This is the meaningful progress we need to see from Congress and we are thankful to have Chairman DeFazio fighting every day for our future and the future for our kids.”

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By Dannielle Lipinski|2021-06-10T13:49:55-04:00June 10th, 2021|Categories: Blog, Press|Tags: American Jobs Plan, Climate Recovery, INVEST, LCV|0 Comments

STATEMENT of the SAVE MARYLAND TRANSIT COALITION on Gov. Hogan’s Last-Minute Veto of the Maryland Transit Safety & Investment Act

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2021

STATEMENT of the SAVE MARYLAND TRANSIT COALITION on Gov. Hogan’s Last-Minute Veto of the Maryland Transit Safety & Investment Act

Late Friday afternoon, Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed bi-partisan legislation designed to improve Maryland’s public transit system and eliminate a $2 billion maintenance backlog that leaves the system prone to constant breakdowns and unsafe for operators and riders.

“By vetoing the Transit Safety & Investment Act, Governor Hogan has signaled he does not support our healthcare workers, port employees, or the hundreds of thousands of Marylanders who depend on transit everyday to get to work,” said bill sponsor Del. Brooke Lierman. “The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) over which he presides has $2 billion of unmet safety and state-of-good repair needs because of six years of disinvestment by his Administration. He has passed the buck to future administrations. He has done a huge disservice to Maryland businesses, our economy, and the livelihood of our state by vetoing this bipartisan bill. I look forward to overriding this veto and creating a sustainable and equitable transportation system in this state. “

“This is a setback for Maryland’s infrastructure, Maryland’s economy, and, most importantly, for the Marylanders who rely on the MTA to get to school, to work, to the pharmacy, and other places they need to go,” said bill sponsor Sen. Cory McCray. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to override the Governor’s veto, providing critical investments to our public transit system, making it safer and more reliable.“

The Transit Safety & Investment Act (SB199/HB 114), which passed the 2021 Maryland General Assembly with strong bi-partisan support, would require the state to make investments to maintain and operate Maryland’s public transit system. The new funding is needed to improve service and reliability and to ensure the system’s trains, buses, and facilities are safe. The legislation also contains funding for a feasibility study of expanding MARC commuter trains to Western Maryland — a huge boon for that area’s economy. It also includes $1 million to help small businesses impacted by the prolonged construction of the Purple Line in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

The Hogan Administration opposed the bill despite broad support. In fact, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee received over 70 letters supporting the bill from a wide range of Marylanders, including the Maryland Asphalt Association, not generally known for its support of public transit.

Advocates denounced the Governor’s move.

“The Hogan Administration says it wants flexibility, but unfortunately it has used its flexibility to let the MTA’s backlog of maintenance needs pile up for years. This bill says ‘fix it first’; take care of maintenance and safety before you flex funds to other projects you want to pursue. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need a bill like this, but experience has shown us we do,” said Brian O’Malley, President & CEO, Central Maryland Transportation Alliance.

“This is another poor decision from ‘Beltway Hogan,’” said Jed Weeks, Policy Director, Bikemore. “Just two years ago the governor was only too happy to release $97 million in funding to WMATA, the Washington, D.C., transit system, but somehow he draws the line on funding his own state’s system. Every dollar invested in transit creates not only more jobs than those invested in highway expansion but does so in a way that is sustainable, equitable, and community-driven.”

“The NAACP condemns this short-sighted action. It’s clear that Larry Hogan doesn’t want Maryland to reap the benefits of a world-class transit system. Unfortunately, it’s underserved neighborhoods, and too often Black and brown neighborhoods, that bear the disproportionate brunt of Larry Hogan’s system-—a system that leads the nation in breakdowns. This is first and foremost a social justice issue,” said Staci Hartwell, Co-chair for Environmental and Climate Justice, NAACP Maryland State Conference.

“Gov. Hogan is out of step with what Marylanders in the 21st century need,” said Josh Tulkin, Director, Maryland Sierra Club. “This legislation would help Marylanders have better access to safe and reliable transit and reduce climate pollution. We call on the General Assembly to override his veto as soon as they are in session.”

“The Transit Safety & Investment Act truly benefits all of Maryland and especially our most neglected communities,” said Maryland LCV Executive Director Kim Coble. “We are extremely disappointed that the Governor chose to not support a bi-partisan, win-win initiative that creates jobs, fights climate change and supports communities.”

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has been underinvested for years and riders suffer the consequences every day. Governor Hogan’s decision to withhold investment in the system leaves students, seniors and essential workers out in the cold, forced to rely on multiple connections to go short distances, making it almost impossible to get where they’re going on time. Since Governor Hogan took office, MTA’s share of the state’s capital transportation program has fallen from 31 percent to just 19 percent. The result is that MTA’s rail systems – Metro Subway, and Light Rail – break down more frequently than any comparable rail systems in the entire country, MARC Commuter Rail breaks down fourth most, and buses most among peer systems. Paratransit services also malfunction–leaving riders stranded. And MTA has identified over $2 billion in unfunded essential system maintenance and critical enhancements over the next decade.

The Transit Safety & Investment Act also would make funds available for locally operated transit systems across the state. The measure is designed to promote racial equity and strengthen Maryland’s economy by improving service in underserved communities and to help the state address climate change by expanding mass transit ridership.

For more information, visit https://savemdtransit.org/

By Dannielle Lipinski|2021-05-28T17:28:23-04:00May 28th, 2021|Categories: Blog, Press|Tags: Fund Maryland Transit, Save Maryland Transit, Veto|0 Comments

Support for Clean Energy Proposals in American Jobs Plan Through the Roof in Maryland, including Congressional Districts

Data for Progress, LCV release new American Jobs Plan poll and modeled data

Washington, D.C. – Marylanders across all Congressional districts strongly support the Biden Administration’s American Jobs Act and the investments it would make in climate, clean energy, good-paying union jobs, and justice, according to new polling released today by Data for Progress and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV).

The groups conducted a joint poll to assess the attitudes of likely voters towards the American Jobs Plan, specifically the key provisions that address climate change, advance clean energy deployment and domestic manufacturing, support clean water, and advance equity by focusing 40% of the benefits of climate and clean energy infrastructure investments into low-income communities, communities of color and other disadvantaged communities. The Data for Progress team used advanced modeling techniques to estimate support at the Congressional district and state level. More on methodology can be found here.

“Maryland voters are clear that they support the investments of the American Jobs Plan in climate, clean energy jobs, and justice,” said Kim Coble, Maryland LCV executive director. “The polling shows that voters understand that creating good-paying jobs while tackling climate change and environmental racism is the right thing for people and the planet. For any politician who cares what their constituents thinks, it just doesn’t make sense to stand in the way of progress on climate, clean energy, and environmental justice.”

In Maryland, 83% of voters across the state support the American Jobs Plan, 83% think it’s important that Congress takes action to address climate change, 85% support investments in clean energy jobs, and 78% support ensuring the benefits of climate and clean energy investments go to the environmental justice communities long exploited by polluters.

The breakdown by congressional districts can be seen in the chart below. The national polling breakdown is available here.

The Biden-Harris administration set the stage for climate action in their first 100 days and Congress must deliver on the climate and clean energy mandate voters elected them to see through by passing the overwhelmingly popular American Jobs Plan as soon as possible.

MD District	Representative	LCV score	Support for clean energy investments*	Support for American Jobs Act*	Support for Envir. Justice investments*	Impt for Congress to take action to address climate change *
MD-01	Andy Harris	3.00%	78.00%	74.00%	67.00%	74.00%
MD-02	Dutch Ruppersberger	89.00%	86.00%	84.00%	79.00%	84.00%
MD-03	John Sarbanes	96.00%	86.00%	85.00%	80.00%	85.00%
MD-04	Anthony Brown	93.00%	87.00%	86.00%	81.00%	86.00%
MD-05	Steny Hoyer	82.00%	85.00%	84.00%	78.00%	84.00%
MD-06	David Trone	98.00%	83.00%	80.00%	74.00%	80.00%
MD-07	Kweisi Mfume	86.00%	89.00%	88.00%	84.00%	89.00%
MD-08	Jamie Raskin	99.00%	87.00%	86.00%	81.00%	86.00%

*Registered voters

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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 Dannielle Lipinski|2021-05-13T11:09:20-04:00May 13th, 2021|Categories: Blog, Press|Tags: American Jobs Plan, Polling|0 Comments

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 Dannielle Lipinski|2021-05-06T14:24:54-04:00May 6th, 2021|Categories: Blog, Clean Water and the Bay, Climate Change, DEIJ, Press|Tags: 30x30, land conservation|0 Comments

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 Dannielle Lipinski|2021-04-22T16:33:31-04:00April 22nd, 2021|Categories: Blog, Press|Tags: board members|0 Comments

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 Dannielle Lipinski|2021-04-21T13:20:40-04:00April 21st, 2021|Categories: Blog, DEIJ, Press|Tags: DEIJ, George Floyd|0 Comments

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 Dannielle Lipinski|2021-04-13T00:53:18-04:00April 13th, 2021|Categories: Policy, Press, Successes|Tags: climate change, environmental justice comission, MDGA21, zero-emission buses|0 Comments