The Chesapeake Climate Action Network today praised the Maryland General Assembly for approving strong legislation to address global warming in Maryland. The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act, SB 278 and HB 315, will protect Maryland’s environment and economy while also spurring strong action at the federal level to address global warming nationwide. Continue reading
Va. Lawmakers Kill Key Energy-Efficiency Target in One-Day Veto Session
In the one-day veto session yesterday, the General Assembly rejected a critical amendment from Gov. Tim Kaine on SB 1248 that would have set a voluntary goal of reducing energy use 19% by 2025, a primary recommendation of the Governor’s Commission on Climate Change. The Wise Energy for Virginia coalition and other clean-energy advocates strongly criticized lawmakers for rejecting the Governor’s amendment to the bill. The Senate narrowly passed the amendment by a 22-18 vote but the House rejected it by a 50-47 vote. Continue reading
Van Hollen Releases Cap and Dividend Act of 2009
Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-Dist. 8), one of the highest-ranking members of the U.S. House of Representatives, today unveiled landmark legislation to help solve the global warming crisis. Van Hollen’s “Cap and Dividend Act of 2009” employs a novel but increasingly popular approach that will help grow our economy and help working families prosper. It is simple, transparent and fair. Continue reading
Virginians Demand Action on Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency enthusiasts held a hybrid car parade around the Virginia State Capitol today to show state legislators the overwhelming support for a strong energy efficiency target. Continue reading
Historic Shift: Wind Energy Cheaper than Coal in Md.
Maryland Pepco and BGE residential customers can now sign up for wind power at rates that are below Pepco’s and BGE’s rates, Clean Currents announced today. This means that people can support a cleaner environment while saving money on their electric bill. Continue reading
Clean Currents Offers Pepco Customers Chance to Save $$ on Electricity & Go Green!
Maryland Pepco residential customers can now sign up for wind power at rates that are below Pepco’s new summer rates, Clean Currents announced today. This means that people can support a cleaner environment while saving money on their electric bill. Continue reading
MD Climate Bill Great First Step, Now Where's the Federal Government?
The Chesapeake Climate Action Network congratulates Governor O’Malley and his staff at the Maryland Department of the Environment for working tirelessly in recent weeks to help craft the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2009. This is an important bill and the Maryland General Assembly should pass it immediately. Continue reading
Energy Efficiency Trumps Coal in Va.
A new report shows that investing in energy efficiency instead of building the Wise County coal plant to meet the same electricity demand would yield hundreds of millions of dollars more annually for the state and create at least 2,600 more jobs than the controversial 585-megawatt coal-fired power plant. The benefits would be even greater if, as anticipated, the federal government enacts controls on global warming emissions. Continue reading
Proposed Surry Coal Plant "Concerning and Out of Touch"
Environmental and faith organizations that came together to oppose Dominion Virginia Power’s Wise County coal-fired power plant in southwest Virginia announced their extreme concern today over a new coal-fired plant proposed by the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative in Surry County. Continue reading
Va. Commission Issues Final Report on Climate Change
After a year of public forums, expert testimony, and committee meetings, the Virginia Commission on Climate Change finalized its “Climate Change Action Plan” today. Virginia’s environmental community is encouraged that the Commission went beyond the initial goals it was charged with, calling for the state to cut global warming pollution by 25% over the next 12 years and more than 80% by 2050. However, the Commission missed the mark on a few policies that are key to hitting those reductions. Continue reading