There’s no sugarcoating it: Tuesday’s election created new obstacles in our fight for climate solutions in Maryland. Governor-elect Larry Hogan questions the basic science of global warming. He also supports fracking and opposes key state policies promoting clean energy.
So what should we do? We could all have a long cry and feel sorry for our state. OR … we could raise our voices even louder and organize even harder for climate solutions. I say we double down on what we believe in. Here’s the truth: We still have big majorities of legislators in both chambers in Annapolis who understand the science of climate change and want to do something about it.
So why go on defense? Let’s go on offense!
Let’s DOUBLE our state’s commitment to carbon-free energy with new legislation in the next six months. And let’s keep reckless fracking out of our state at the same time—no matter who is our governor.
Sign this letter to Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Mike Busch and Governor-elect Larry Hogan. Tell them to work together to enact legislation in 2015 to double our state’s use of wind and solar power, and urge them to protect our land from dangerous fracking.
Here’s another truth: Despite Larry Hogan’s election, there’s plenty of room for optimism on energy policies in Maryland. That’s because we’ve been in this exact same position before—and won transformative victories—under the last Republican governor in our state.
Nearly ten years ago, under then Gov. Bob Ehrlich, climate activists like you helped pass the Maryland Healthy Air Act to dramatically reduce power plant pollution. And you helped pass Maryland’s original clean electricity mandate (a.k.a. the “Renewable Portfolio Standard”). Governor Ehrlich, who did not embrace global warming as a priority, signed both bills into law thanks to the commitment, sweat, and passion of people like you.
So what can we do under Governor Hogan? Again, let’s pass a transformative bipartisan bill to DOUBLE the state’s commitment to wind and solar power. Right now our state—by law—will require 20% of Maryland’s electricity to come from clean sources by the year 2022. Let’s double it to 40% instead by the year 2025. Such a bill, passed now, will create thousands of jobs and save thousands of lives while dramatically reducing carbon pollution across Maryland. And we can do it.
Sign this letter to Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Mike Busch and Governor-elect Larry Hogan. Tell them to work together to enact legislation in 2015 to double our state’s use of wind and solar power, and urge them to protect our land from dangerous fracking.

The fact is that no governor can afford to veto all or even most of the important bills passed by an opposition legislature. The most popular bills, supported by the most vocal advocates, are likely to get signed. Again, witness Bob Ehrlich from 2003-2007. And remember: legislators who have shown they are willing to act on climate change—including Democrats and some Republicans alike—still control the Senate and House in Annapolis by veto-proof majorities.
In other words, game on.
Finally, as Marylanders, we simply can not allow gas companies to frack recklessly across our state—no matter who is governor. Period. It’s bad for the climate. It’s bad for communities. Some of the most inspiring news from Tuesday’s elections is that cities and counties from coast to coast passed fracking bans and other restrictions that now inspire the rest of us to fight harder with every creative tool at our disposal.
Our planet continues to warm, regardless of who won on Tuesday. The latest report from the world’s top scientists warns that we will see “irreversible” impacts from climate change unless we do our part to fight back now!
In Maryland, it’s time to speed up, not slow down. Are you with me? Sign the letter to our state leaders and stay tuned for updates from CCAN as we prepare to make history in 2015. 

Resources:

Forward with 40%: Double Maryland’s clean power by 2025.
Press Release: Wading into Baltimore’s rising waters, coalition launches campaign to pass nation-leading clean energy legislation. October 17, 2014.

Take Action:

Tell the Maryland Legislature: Let’s Double our Renewable Energy!
Sign Up to Volunteer: Fight for 40% Clean Power.

In the News:

Groups wade in to double Maryland’s ‘clean power’ goal. The Baltimore Sun. October 17, 2014.
Environmental Activists In Md. Pressing For Clean Energy. CBS Baltimore. October 17, 2014.