August 14, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Maryland League of Conservation Voters to Honor U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and State Environmental Legislative Champions, and Celebrate Chispa Maryland’s Decade of Impact at Annual Changemakers Event
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, MD Senator (fmr. Delegate) Sara Love, and MD Senator Sarah Elfreth to be honored
Annapolis, MD – The Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) will present three awards as part of its Changemakers: Celebrating Environmental Leaders event on September 26, 2024 to honor Marylanders who have demonstrated vision, leadership, and courage in protecting clean water, healthy air, and climate resilient communities.
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin will be honored as the John V. Kabler Memorial Award recipient for his career-long dedication to climate and conservation issues. As a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Cardin has been a tireless advocate for Maryland’s environment, from the Chesapeake Bay to the state’s forests and waterways. His leadership on issues such as climate change, water infrastructure, and agricultural pollution reduction has been instrumental in protecting Maryland’s natural treasures and addressing the urgent environmental challenges facing our state and nation.
Maryland Senator (fmr. Delegate) Sara Love (District 16) and Maryland Senator Sarah Elfreth (District 30) will be honored as Maryland LCV’s 2024 Legislators of the Year. This award, established in 2012, recognizes environmental champions from the most recent legislative session based on their leadership and commitment to promoting and passing equitable laws and policies for clean water, healthy air, and climate resilient communities.
Senator Love and Senator Elfreth are being recognized for their pivotal roles in sponsoring and passing key environmental legislation during the 2024 General Assembly session. Their efforts include:
– The Whole Watershed Act (HB1165/SB969), jointly sponsored by Senator Love and Senator Elfreth, which creates a pilot program and allocates $20 million over five years for targeted watershed restoration projects, with a focus on environmental justice communities.
– The Brighter Tomorrow Act (HB1435/SB783), sponsored by Senator Elfreth, extends tax exemptions for community solar projects and establishes a consistent payment structure for ground-mounted solar installations. This act advances clean energy in Maryland by making solar more accessible and affordable, accelerating the transition to renewable energy and improving air quality.
– The Clean Water Justice Act (HB1101/SB653), sponsored by Senator Love, provides legal standing for individuals and associations in environmental protection proceedings, thus empowering communities historically marginalized or disproportionately affected by environmental pollution to advocate for their right to clean water. By expanding access to the legal system, this act ensures greater accountability and helps protect vulnerable populations from water pollution and its associated health risks.
“This year’s Changemakers event will celebrate those who have shown extraordinary leadership in advancing Maryland’s environmental goals, particularly our commitment to combat the impacts of climate change and environmental injustices and protect our natural resources,” said Kim Coble, Executive Director of Maryland LCV.
“At a time when the climate crisis continues to impact communities across our state, the long-standing dedication of leaders such as U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and state Senators Love and Elfreth are more critical than ever,” said Coble. “Their efforts are instrumental in advancing Maryland toward a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable environmental future.”
During this year’s Changemakers event, we will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of Chispa Maryland, a program of Maryland LCV that works with Latino families and community leaders who provide a powerful voice for protecting our environment. Since its launch in 2014, Chispa Maryland has been instrumental in advancing environmental justice initiatives, including the successful campaign for electric school buses and empowering Latino communities through its Promotores six-week leadership training program.
“For a decade, Chispa Maryland has been at the front line of environmental advocacy within Latino communities, bridging the gap between legislators, environmental organizations and underrepresented voices,” said Ramón Palencia-Calvo, Maryland LCV’s Deputy Director and Director of Chispa Maryland. “Our 10th anniversary celebration at Changemakers is not just a milestone for Chispa, but a testament to the growing power of diverse voices in Maryland’s environmental movement.”
Join Maryland LCV in honoring our awardees at the 2024 Changemakers: Celebrating Environmental Leaders event on September 26 at The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.mdlcv.org/changemakers. Press passes are available upon email request to changemakers@mdlcv.org.
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About Changemakers
Changemakers: Celebrating Environmental Leaders is Maryland LCV’s annual signature event that brings together 400 of our state’s elected officials, business and nonprofit leaders, and environmental advocates to celebrate achievements, honor leadership, inspire future action, and strengthen the network of environmental advocates across the state. For more information, visit www.mdlcv.org/changemakers.
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About Maryland LCV
The Maryland League of Conservation Voters educates and activates people to take equitable and just political actions for clean water, healthy air and climate-resilient communities.