Category: Blog

Global Divestment Day is coming!  What’s that, you ask? 
Global Divestment Day is February 13-14, at locations all around the world. It’s a chance for divestment campaigns to celebrate divestment victories, to educate their community about divestment, and to turn up the heat on divestment opponents.
There is a lot happening in DC, Maryland, and Virginia for Global Divestment Day, and we want you to know about it all!
Click here to find an action near you!
On Friday, February 13th, join DC Divest, 350 MoCo and divestment campaigns from around the DC-metro area for the biggest public mobilization yet — we’re going to show this city that we are ready to make fossil fuels history. Getting our cities and universities to stop investing in fossil fuel companies doesn’t just protect our money against risk from the “carbon bubble,” it sends a clear message: bankrolling climate destruction is immoral. It’s time to invest in clean energy!
Click here to RSVP for the DC-area Global Divestment Day action this Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Dupont Circle.
350MoCo is also planning their own “event” – something a little different – in which each of us will tell the world why we care about divestment. The more “voices,” the greater the impact.
Here’s what to do:

• Download and print this 8 ½  x 11 sign that asks, “Why invest fossil free?” There’s a large empty space under the question for you to write your own answer. (Keep it short, clear, and legible — and, if it feels right, make it personal.)
• Get someone to take a photo of you holding up your sign with your answer. (There’s an example photo attached.)
• Email the photo to GDD350moco@gmail.com (the sooner, the better, but any time up until Feb. 13^th is okay)
• We want lots of photos, so if you can, forward this email to friends, family, co-workers, students, religious communities, and anyone else you can think of to make one as well and ask them to join us!

If you want to make your own sign, that’s fine too – as long as it has all the same text as our GDD sign (in roughly the same places). You can find more detailed instructions — and more copies of our sign – by going to our website.
It’s time to invest from fossil fuel destruction, take action with 350 MoCo today!
Click here to download 350 MoCo GDD sign and instructions.
 

Like the vast majority of people in this country, I knew nothing about the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission until maybe 2-3 years ago. Since then, through my CCAN work fighting the plans for the Cove Point LNG export terminal at Cove Point, Md., through my work in New Jersey fighting a compressor station and pipeline going through the county where I live, and through my work in the mushrooming movement in the Marcellus Shale region and elsewhere against fracked gas infrastructure and exports, I have unfortunately learned a great deal about FERC.
FERC is, quite simply, a rubber stamp for the gas industry. Yes, gas industry proposals to FERC take time to work through their internal process, and there are sometimes conditions attached to the FERC approvals, but approve is what FERC almost always does, at least for the last several years.
That is why I have been so pleased to see and be part of the development of Beyond Extreme Energy, which over the past five months has had a big impact. Our week of actions in early November, literally disrupting FERC’s operations through determined nonviolent direct action, every morning, was one of the best actions I’ve ever helped to organize. And it has been great that BXE activists have gone to every monthly FERC Commissioners’ meeting since then, keeping the pressure on. I was one of the participants at the January 22 meeting where FERC Chair Cheryl LaFleur adjourned the meeting and cleared the room because of our vocal presence.
Five days later, speaking at the National Press Club, this is what LaFleur said about our movement:

“These groups are active in every FERC docket… as well as in my email inbox seven days a week, in my Twitter feed, at our open meetings demanding to be heard, and literally at our door closing down First Street so FERC won’t be able to work. We’ve got a situation here.”

But I wasn’t expecting what happened this morning when I went to FERC.
A few weeks ago I was invited by Green America to be part of a meeting they had set up with FERC Commissioner Philip Moeller. It was at 10 AM today, February 4th. There were two people from GA and me. We got through front door security OK, I was given a badge to wear, and a security cop took us up to the 11^th floor and a conference room there. He went to get Moeller and whoever else was coming with him, and about a minute later he comes back into the room and says I need to leave. I push back, ask him why, he says I “am banned from the building.” So I go back down the elevator with him and go to the front entrance security desk, where a top FERC security guy—I recognized him from our past actions—was standing there, and he started to leave as I arrived. I stopped him, asked him directly why I was being removed, he said something like, after I pressed him, “we are looking into what we can do legally to deal with people who do not follow FERC procedures,” something like that. He made it clear that it wasn’t just me that they don’t want in their building.
Note that I’ve never been arrested at FERC (though I’ve helped others do so).
So we’ve gotten FERC’s attention. As someone wrote to me after hearing about what happened this morning, quoting Gandhi, “’first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win…’
I think we’re at Stage 3 now for sure!
 
 
 

 
Major legislation to move Virginia forward in addressing climate change is before the Virginia General Assembly this week and next in Richmond. In recent days, a diverse and growing set of voices — from pediatricians to scientists to student leaders to low-income housing advocates — have urged legislators to pass this bill, called the Virginia Coastal Protection Act.
This powerful bipartisan bill is the biggest way our state can take action on climate in this General Assembly session. The bill will cut carbon pollution while raising critical funds to protect our coast from rising seas and support climate solutions statewide.

Here’s what our supporters are saying:

American Association of Pediatrics

“Global warming is a major threat to the health, safety and security of children in Virginia.  As global temperatures rise, many other major changes are occurring, including melting glaciers, worsening storms and rising sea levels. These fundamental changes ultimately impact human health, and children are at particularly high risk.
Climate change presents other significant health risks to children.  These include increased heat illness, worsening respiratory and allergic disease due to impacts on air quality and plant pollen production, and changes in patterns of climate sensitive infections.”

Norfolk City Council Resolution in support of Virginia Coastal Protection Act.

“Localities in the Hampton Roads region recognize the need for increased resources to implement local adaptation plans and acknowledge that coordination throughout all levels of government is required to provide adequate solutions to the region’s growing flooding risks.”

Union of Concerned Scientists

“Virginia is already experiencing coastal impacts, including an increase in the frequency and severity of tidal flooding. Scientists in Virginia and around the nation have documented how the problem of rising sea level, which is largely the result of our changing climate, will continue to get worse.
Only one of the bills the committee is taking up offers a common sense solution to cut the carbon pollution that fuels climate change and decrease its devastating impacts on the state. Unfortunately, the remaining three bills would leave Virginia on a trajectory that exacerbates their existing dilemma. Efforts to block the carbon pollution rules that promise greater coastal protections, cleaner air and a safer climate seem shortsighted and ill-advised.”

Virginia Housing Coalition

“This bill would directly aid our main constituency, low and moderate income renters and homeowners. At least half of the 30% that would go towards energy efficiency and clean energy programs under this bill would go towards energy efficiency improvements for the low and moderate residential sectors. This arrangement would have the dual benefit of aiding Virginia in reaching its energy use and carbon reduction goals while helping Virginians that struggle with the cost of their housing save money and live more comfortably.”

Virginia Student Environmental Coalition

“The stakes of inaction are not limited to fluctuations in electricity prices. Failure to address carbon emissions within our state is a gamble with the future of the youth generation today and with the viability of this planet to house your grandchildren. I implore you to stand up for future generations by supporting this common sense legislation. I ask you to be responsible for your children and myself. Leave us a planet that allows us to aspire for greatness.”

The Washington Post Editorial Board

“Starting next year, the EPA will demand that every state’s power sector meet specific emissions targets, with the goal of cutting the electricity industry’s national carbon footprint by 30 percent of 2005 levels by 2030. But states have flexibility about how they comply with the EPA’s mandate. They can choose traditional, command-and-control regulation that imposes changes on power plants, promotes renewables or cuts electricity waste. Or they can take a more efficient, market-based approach that would cost less money, require less hassle and raise revenue for the state. Del. Ronald A. Villanueva (R-Virginia Beach) has a bill that would do the latter.”

Update: The Senate version Virginia Coastal Protection Act (SB1428) fell one vote short of passing the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.  The house version of the Virginia Coastal Protection Act (HB2205) will continue on through House Commerce and Labor Subcommittee on Energy, Tuesday, February 3rd.

Read the full letters and articles here:

American Association of Pediatrics Senate Letter.
American Association of Pediatrics House Letter.
“Hampton Roads Mayors Bring Concerns to Richmond.” 1/29/2015. The Virginian-Pilot.
Norfolk City Council Resolution in support of VA Coastal Protection Act.
Union of Concerned Scientists Letter Supporting VA CPA.
Virginia Housing Coalition Support Letter SB 1428. 
VSEC Letter of Support for VA Coastal Protection Act.
“Virginia’s move to cut emissions the smart way.” 1/25/2015. The Washington Post.
 
 

On an overcast day in January at 4pm, one month beyond the winter solstice, Chesapeake Climate Action Network supporter and Charlottesville resident Bob McAdams’ solar system has already generated 8.6kw of energy. His solar panels are newly installed and he’s excited to talk to me about why he installed them, and why he’s actively working to make it easier for others in Virginia to join him.
Join Bob and his neighbors for our Solar Call-In Day this Thursday, January 29th, from 6-8 pm. Our legislators need to hear from us – we want them to support solar! E-mail me at lauren@chesapeakeclimate.org for all of the details.
McAdams installed a solar home energy system at the beginning of January, and he tracks his savings on a spreadsheet, comparing his home energy usage and costs year-to-year. He calculated that on average, over the past three years he has used 26kw of energy per day.
“At this rate, during peak sunlight in the year I’ll be able to get over half of my daily usage from solar”, McAdams said.
The savings this represents are appealing to McAdams, but even more appealing are the impacts on Virginia’s climate. McAdams cares deeply about protecting the state’s environment and cutting carbon emissions.
“These are the things you don’t get with solar: no fuel. No pipeline. No long lines of coal cars. No coal ash heaps. No high level radioactive waste. No fracking. No mountaintop removal. And no carbon emissions.”
He first learned about the option to install solar from a program called Solarize Charlottesville (http://solarizecville.org/). He said that the installation process was easy and fast- it took 3 days.
“The system is simplicity itself,” he said.
I asked if any of his family or neighbors had installed solar yet, and he said that his brother is looking into installation for his house in Philadelphia. McAdams’ next door neighbor came by to ask for the Local Energy Alliance’s contact information to look into installation for her own home.
McAdams hopes to see his family, his neighbors and his fellow Virginians join him in reducing carbon emissions by switching to solar, and – even more importantly – by advocating for solar in the political process. He recently testified about the benefits of solar at a Richmond committee hearing in mid-January.
“If you don’t participate in the political process, you don’t get a government that serves you,” said McAdams.
As part of an ongoing campaign to take down the barriers to solar power in Virginia, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network has launched an effort to pass a bill this session that would support solar in Virginia by raising the net metering cap on non-residential solar power projects from 500 kW to a more competitive 2 MW. McAdams and his neighbors know this bill needs to pass if Virginia is going to play catch-up to neighboring states.
Join Bob and his neighbors for our Solar Call-In Day this Thursday, January 29th, from 6-8 pm. Our legislators need to hear from us – we want them to support solar! E-mail me at lauren@chesapeakeclimate.org to join the call-in day!

In the past few months a strong group has come together to demand Maryland DOUBLE it’s commitment to clean electricity to 40% by 2025 by passing the Clean Energy Advancement Act.
Doubling our commitment to clean electricity is the right choice for Maryland. We know that climate change affects all of us, but in many different ways.  Here in Maryland, our coastal cities are already feeling the impacts of climate change, as flooding intensifies and marshland disappears.  More than 85 percent of Marylanders live in areas that fail to meet the nation’s clean air standards, and the state has the notorious distinction of being the worst in the eastern U.S. for ground-level ozone pollution. These health burdens harm low-income people and people of color disproportionately. More clean energy can reverse this trend.
Our new coalition reflects that, and mirrors what thousands of groups are doing throughout the nation, partnering with new allies and supporting a greater movement for justice.  There’s a new understanding growing that climate justice is part of a broader social movement, that we won’t be able to achieve a sustainable future without economic equality. That’s why for this campaign we’ve partnered with dozens of new groups across the economic justice, labor, health, and faith communities.
Click here to watch and share our new video!



Featured in the video are some of our strongest and newest partnerships:
Maryland Working Families is championing a Paid Sick Days campaign in Annapolis, so workers won’t need to choose between staying home and losing a day’s pay, and coming in and infecting their co-workers. They’ve joined our campaign because they support renewable energy and more job opportunities in safer and cleaner technologies and infrastructure.
We’ve joined up with Maryland and DC 1199 SEIU because healthcare workers see the effects of climate change everyday, in the form of asthma and air pollution.  Renewable energy means cleaner air, and a healthier environment, as well as billions saved in healthcare costs.
The Maryland faith community has joined us in pledging their support of doubling our clean electricity. Our faith traditions command us to be stewards of the earth and to take care of each other. Acting on climate is an extension of religious teachings, and we’re excited to have dozens of Maryland congregations behind this bill.
Click here to watch our new video, and get involved in the campaign to pass the Clean Energy Advancement Act!

The 10th annual Keep Winter Cold Polar Bear Plunge is this Saturday, January 24th! Hundreds of CCAN supporters, along with their friends, families, Congresswoman Donna Edwards and more, will brave the waters of the Potomac River to get the word out about climate change while we raise money to keep fighting for swift action at the local, state and federal levels. For those of you planning to join us, here’s some important information.
Waivers: The plunge is a fun, family friendly event, but it’s not completely risk-free. If you completed your registration on FirstGiving, you signed a waiver form. Any plungers under 18 years of age will need to have the waiver form signed by a parent or guardian. If you’re bringing a plunger who is under 18 and who hasn’t registered online, click here to print a waiver for his or her parent or guardian to sign. We will have copies of the waiver available at registration on Saturday.
Arrival time: You and any friends or family members coming along to support you should plan to get to National Harbor no later than 10:15 a.m. All plungers must register at the registration tents (which open at 10 a.m.), so make sure you get there on time!
Attire advice: You should plan to wear old sneakers or sandals that won’t fall off when you go into the water. You will also be less cold if, in addition to a towel, you bring a robe or a blanket to wear immediately before and after you go in the water. We’ll have foot warmers to put in your shoes that you’ll appreciate especially after you’ve come out of the water.
Directions: You can find out how to get to National Harbor, including via public transportation (which is possible, but slow), by going here: http://www.nationalharbor.com/directions. Follow the signs for the plunge once you’re off the interstate highway. You can also enter the address for the after-party into navigation devices for driving directions, as it is adjacent to the parking lot: McLoone’s Pier House, 141 National Plaza, National Harbor, Maryland.
Parking: There are enough spots for all in the lot by McCloone’s. The first 100 cars will be given a free parking pass. (Otherwise it costs about $5.)
Weather: As this is written, the forecast is for a crisp day with a high in the low 40s — be sure to dress warmly for before and after your plunge!
Plunge-time: We’ll have group tents for you to use to take off layers or change clothes before we take our dip, so you can dress for warmth for our opening program. Our plan is to have a short program at 11 am, head over to the changing tents by 11:20 a.m. and to be in and out of the water by 11:30 a.m.
Food and hot drinks: Zeke’s Coffee and Kate Bakes Bars are providing their delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and delectable pastries. Vegan pastry options will be available.
After-Party: But’s that’s not all! Afterwards, plan to stay around for an after-party at McLoone’s, a restaurant right next to where we’ll be doing the plunge. We’ll announce the winners of The Green Commuter bike contest and the dinner with Rev. Yearwood and Mike Tidwell contest, as well as pick raffle winners for the nine raffle prizes! Plus, this is always a fun and great way to meet some wonderful people: all of you! McCloone’s is generously offering use of their restrooms before the Plunge, as well as a 15% discount on their food and drinks for everyone who is wearing an “I Took the Plunge” sticker (available at the registration table).
Volunteers: Do you want to volunteer at the plunge? We’d love to have you! Contact Ted Glick at ted@chesapeakeclimate.org to sign up to volunteer.
We don’t encourage bringing your dog, but if you feel you have to, you must have your dog on a leash at all times.
Questions? Contact Ted Glick at ted@chesapeakeclimate.org or 240-396-2155.
See you Saturday!

On Saturday, January 24th — for the 10th year in a row — CCAN supporters will run into freezing waters to raise funds for the most important cause of all: a stable climate.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of CCAN’s “Keep Winter Cold” Polar Bear Plunge, we’ve compiled a list of the “top 10” reasons to join us:
#10. It literally takes no will power: It’s easy to run into freezing water — when you’re surrounded by hundreds of fellow climate activists. Just watchthis video of last year’s plunge and tell me if you see anyone hesitate.
#9. You’ll secure top bragging rights: It’s easy to recruit sponsors when you tell your friends and family you’re running into the Potomac River in January. Last year, we used sledge hammers to break apart the ice beforehand — and it was our most fun and biggest fundraising year ever.
#8. It’s team-building: Are you part of a church group or environmental club? Lead a scout troop? You can raise money for our good cause while bonding through this icy feat!
#7. While the cause is serious, the day is seriously fun: On top of the exhilaration of running into icy water, we’ll have great music, speakers, food, and a toasty after party.
#6. You’ll have a chance to win great prizes: This year’s prize offerings already include a bike, dinner with Rev. Yearwood, president of the Hip Hop Caucus, and me, Patagonia gear, and a rafting trip for two!
#5. You’ll help get the word out about climate change and CCAN: This event is just crazy enough to attract media attention and raise the profile of our movement — and you could even wind up on your local TV news!
#4. You’ll meet wonderful people and inspiring leaders: Who wouldn’t want to rub elbows with VIP plungers like Congresswoman Donna Edwards and meet rock-star community activists from across our region?
#3. You’ll help us make history: For our 10th anniversary plunge, we’ve set our biggest goals ever — to recruit 300 plungers and raise $100,000 to support our work.
#2. You’ll guarantee that CCAN can keep mobilizing more and more people to take action: Raising $100,000 would fund the equivalent of two full-time organizers fighting to move our region off of dirty fossil fuels and to clean energy solutions.
#1. The climate has never needed you more: The world’s top scientists are warning of “irreversible” damage from climate change unless we rapidly switch to clean energy. CCAN is leading the way in our region, and we need your help to do even more.
Won’t you join us on Saturday, January 24th as we celebrate our 10th annual CCAN Polar Bear Plunge at National Harbor? Click here to sign up today.
Joining the plunge takes only three simple steps:

1. Create your personal fundraising page at www.keepwintercold.org. (Step-by-step instructions are below.)
2. Invite your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor your plunge.
3. Come to the event and take part in the exhilarating plunge!

Come make a difference. Have fun. And build our movement for climate solutions. Sign up for CCAN’s 2015 “Keep Winter Cold” Polar Bear Plunge!

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE DETAILS

WHAT: 10th Annual “Keep Winter Cold” Polar Bear Plunge
WHEN: Saturday, January 24th, 10:30am
WHERE: The Beach at National Harbor, MD.
HOW:

1. Go to www.keepwintercold.org and register as a plunger. Click on the green “Register” button at the top-right and a pop-up box will ask how many plungers you are registering — most people will choose “1.” After that, follow the easy prompts to create your personalized fundraising page. As part of the registration process, you can sign up as an individual, join an existing team or create a team of friends, family members or colleagues. You’ll also set a personal fundraising goal and we hope you’ll choose $350 or higher.
2. Send out emails to your personal networks asking them to sponsor your plunge (just like a charity walk or bike ride). You can ask friends old and new, work colleagues, family members…your dentist! You’d be surprised who will donate to your crazy winter dip. You can sign back into your personal fundraising page at www.keepwintercold.org with your FirstGiving username and password and click the “Your Fundraising” tab to easily send emails to your friends right through the website.
3. Come out on Saturday, January 24th at 10:30am to the beach at National Harbor, MD and take the plunge with hundreds of other climate activists.