FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2023

Annapolis, MD (September 29, 2023) – The Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) proudly announces Governor Wes Moore as the keynote speaker to over 300 of Maryland’s most influential elected officials, business leaders, and environmental advocates during the Changemakers event on October 5, at the Colwell Center in Baltimore.

“It’s crucial, now more than ever, that we work together for a sustainable Maryland. Our state’s future rests on bold, collaborative action,” remarked Governor Wes Moore. “The Changemakers event is a testament to the dedication of those committed to this cause. I am honored to be part of an event that underscores the critical role every Marylander plays in shaping our state’s future.”

“Governor Moore has made bold commitments to lead our State towards a 100% clean energy economy and a healthy environment for all Marylanders,” said Kim Coble, Executive Director of Maryland LCV. “His stewardship alongside our 2023 Environmental Leadership Awardees showcase the commitment needed to address the urgency of the climate crisis.”

Changemakers will spotlight Governor Moore’s remarks, as well as recognize and award five distinguished Marylanders who have demonstrated vision, leadership, and courage in protecting clean water, healthy air, and climate resilient communities. These awardees include:

• Liz Burdock, Co-Founder and CEO  of the Business Network for Offshore Wind will be honored as the John V. Kabler Memorial Award recipient for her long-standing dedication to advancing offshore wind. The award is dedicated to John Kabler’s enduring memory and the principles on behalf of the environment he fought for and cared about so deeply.
• Senator Benjamin T. Brooks, Sr. (District 10, Baltimore County) and Delegate Luke H. Clippinger (District 46, Baltimore City) will be honored by the Maryland LCV as the organization’s 2023 Legislators of the Year. Maryland LCV’s Legislator of the Year Award, established in 2012, honors environmental champions from the most recent legislative session. Awardees are selected based on leadership and commitment to promote and pass equitable laws and policies for clean water, healthy air, and climate resilient communities.  They will be recognized for their leadership roles in the passage of the Community Solar bill during the 2023 General Assembly legislative session.
• Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (District 20, Montgomery County) and Delegate Dana Stein (District 11B, Baltimore County) will be honored as Climate Champion awardees, an award created to highlight leaders who have been working tirelessly to bring forward strong environmental legislation.

“Maryland LCV appreciates both the significant progress made to date to combat climate change by the Moore Administration and our 2023 Environmental Leader Awardees,” said Coble. “We look forward to supporting bold, strategic policies and actions that leave no one behind as we strive towards a 100% clean energy economy and a healthy environment for all Marylanders.”

The 2023 legislative session saw many successes for Maryland’s environment due to the collaborative efforts of elected officials, business leaders, community advocates, and nonprofit organizations. Maryland LCV prioritized and supported bills that will facilitate the implementation of the Climate Solutions Now Act by expanding renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gasses, and advancing environmental justice in our state agencies.

Tickets are available for the 2023 Changemakers: Celebrating Environmental Leaders event on October 5, 2023 at the Colwell Center in Baltimore. www.mdlcv.org/changemakers.