CCAN Summer Newsletter 2025
Letter from the Director
I Still Have Hope – Here’s Why
Feeling depressed about Donald Trump? Worried the planet can’t survive another four years of medieval attack from the White House and Congress? Well I worry too… but I still have hope.
In March, I published a book called The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A Story of Climate and Hope on One American Street (St. Martin’s Press). In it, I tell of how global warming is dramatically affecting my very street – the 7100 block of Willow Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland. The biggest trees in my neighborhood are dying in heartbreaking numbers due to record rain and sharp droughts. New flooding is threatening the neighborhood preschool. Lyme disease is widespread from ticks that survive our milder winters.
But “Hope” is in the book’s subtitle. Solar panels and electric vehicles have never been more common on my street and across the D.C. region. In Takoma Park, we have the first gas station in America to switch entirely from pumping gas to charging EVs, and new apartments are being built throughout the region that are fully electric, with heat pumps covering the roofs.
All of this has occurred because people like me and you have pushed for clean energy policies for years across the region of D.C., Maryland and Virginia And worldwide, every day, human beings install a whopping gigawatt of new solar power. Every day. That’s a large nuclear power plant of solar energy every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…. and half the cars sold in China this year – the largest car market in the world – will be electric.
There’s nothing Donald Trump can do to stop all that. It’s happening whether he likes it or not. It’s unstoppable. And in this summer issue of our newsletter, you’ll see the myriad of ways our staff members – working with volunteers, foundations, elected officials, progressive businesses, and others – are stopping dirty energy projects and bringing more solar and wind and EVs into the region and nationwide.
So I have hope, and you should, too. And if you want still more hope, please buy my book, The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue, and we’ll send a signed copy right to your door, with all proceeds benefiting CCAN. On the jacket, Bill McKibben calls the book “beautiful” and Congressman Jamie Raskin says, “it will change the way you think about climate change.”
Thanks for all you do.
Mike Tidwell
Executive Director
Chesapeake Climate Action Network & CCAN Action Fund
Explore CCAN Updates
Federal
Protecting FEMA
June 1 marked the beginning of hurricane season, and weather forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict 2025 will be an abnormally active year for hurricanes. Yet, as NOAA warns decision-makers about extreme weather events, the Trump Administration is laying the foundation to gut or even eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which coordinates disaster preparedness, response, and recovery operations across the federal government. We’re pushing back.
In January, President Trump appointed Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to the FEMA Review Council. Members of the Council are tasked with making recommendations regarding FEMA’s ability to effectively and impartially address disasters. This presents us with an incredible opportunity to pressure Youngkin to strengthen and improve FEMA – not eliminate it. CCAN will work with Virginia partners to remind the Governor of FEMA’s value, showcasing the Commonwealth’s own recent need for federal assistance. In 2022, FEMA provided the state with over $111 million after a severe winter storm, and in 2024, after Tropical Storm Helene, FEMA provided more than $35 million in assistance. Sign our petition to protect FEMA! >>
PJM Who?
If you live within the PJM grid territory, you may have noticed a significant increase in your electric bill this summer. That’s because your regional transmission organization, PJM Interconnection LLC, has long delayed connecting cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy sources to the grid. Most ratepayers are unaware of the impacts PJM has on their electric bills, and the 13 governors that span the PJM territory don’t often exercise their influence to hold PJM accountable. We’re going to change that. CCAN will work with national and regional partners to shed light on why ratepayers are experiencing higher energy costs, we’ll help state lawmakers see what steps they can take to protect ratepayers, and we’ll pressure the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to use its authority to compel PJM to connect cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy sources to the grid. To support this work, donate here.>>
Washington, DC
Putting the PUBLIC in Public Service Commission!
This spring, dozens of Washingtonians testified against Washington Gas rate hikes and fossil fuel investments at community hearings hosted by D.C.’s utility regulator – the Public Service Commission (PSC). At the most well-attended hearings in recent Commission history, CCANers spoke out against raising D.C. residents’ gas bills by nearly 20% and spending $215 million more on Project Pipes (now rebranded to District SAFE). From breaking out in song to a die-in (see photo) in front of the Commissioners, we made it clear: More money for methane gas is a death sentence for D.C.’s future. See our Docket Dispatch to dive deeper into all things PSC!>>
We’re ALL Part of “Electrifying the District”
In March, we premiered our “Electrifying the District” mini-documentary, featuring the real-life stories of D.C. residents who have gone electric! Nearly 100 attendees came to check out the premiere and connect with partners, including the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment, to learn more about how they can upgrade their home appliances. Since the premiere, we’ve co-hosted community screenings across the District, connecting residents directly with the D.C. Sustainability Energy Utility and its electrification programs. Watch the short film here >>
Interested in getting involved? Join our volunteer-led D.C. Action Team to help us expand our work and dream up new campaign priorities. Fill out this form and a D.C. organizer will reach out!
Defending D.C.’s Green Programs
CCAN Action Fund is fighting to restore funding for the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment after Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed a 24% cut to its budget for the next fiscal year. By pulling $70 million from the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF) to pay the District government’s utility bills, Bowser is defunding the very home electrification programs we’re showing Washingtonians how to access. These programs can help residents lower their utility bills and get their homes off of fossil fuels! More than 120 residents testified at the agency’s budget hearing, and over 70 advocates turned up for our Green Budget Day of Action to demand that the D.C. Council restore SETF funding. Send a message to D.C. Councilmembers now! >>
Maryland
Making Polluters Pay
Thanks to strong advocacy from CCAN Action Fund, we had a big win this past legislative session! The Maryland General Assembly was the third legislative body in the country to take action towards making polluters pay for the escalating climate consequences that we are all experiencing. Maryland’s legislation is called the “Responding to Emergency Needs from Extreme Weather (RENEW) Act” and, during the 2025 legislative session, policymakers moved forward the cost-calculation portion of the legislation. This action will help Marylanders see the true economic costs that climate change has already inflicted and will shed light on how the costs of climate resilience and recovery are expected to continue rising due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Unfortunately, Governor Moore vetoed the bill so now we’re pushing back! We’re working to overturn his veto during the next legislative session. That will enable the state to complete the study and then we’ll advocate for passage of the payment mechanism in 2027. Donate to support our work building grassroots power.
Building Electrification
This summer we’re building grassroots power to ensure that Maryland’s building sector is decarbonized swiftly and equitably! We’ll focus on education around building electrification in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County by hosting open houses for policymakers and community events for the public.
At these events, we’ll demonstrate how building electrification results in cleaner air in our local communities. Find an event near you!
Virginia
Fighting Fossil Fuels and Dirty Data Centers
In Virginia, we’re facing a huge proposed fossil fuel buildout. In Pittsylvania County alone, corporate polluters have proposed four major gas expansion projects. CCANers are fighting these projects in coalition with local residents – and we’re winning!
This spring, we helped defeat a truly massive proposal from Balico LLC. This company originally wanted to build a data center campus with more than 40 huge server buildings and its own gas plant to power them! CCANers from all across Virginia joined forces to phonebank local residents, making sure they knew how to get involved. The result? We showed up and packed the hearing room for hours, and the county denied Balico’s project!
But the same communities in Pittsylvania are still facing the buildout of new fossil fuel projects, and now they need your help. Will you help stop the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP)? It’s a ginormous gas pipeline spanning five states that would result in hundreds of millions of metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Sign our petition now to stop the SSEP!
Meanwhile, in Chesterfield County, Dominion Energy is using rising electricity demand to try to justify building a new gas plant. After almost two years of advocacy fighting back at the county level, we’re now taking our campaign statewide. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will be accepting public comments from all Virginians. To make sure we get thousands of signatures, CCANers are supporting six “How to Stop A Gas Plant” training sessions, doing presentations at our action team meetings, and making art to gear up for three statewide rallies! Sign this petition and share it with five friends!
Year-round Grassroots Advocacy
During the 2025 legislative session in Virginia, CCAN Action Fund made climate progress despite having an anti-climate Governor in power. Volunteers packed the halls of the General Assembly for three lobby days – including the first climate action lobby day in three years! We also had a team of virtual climate champs whose advocacy calls resulted in over 5,000 messages to legislators. This work paid off – we overrode a Governor veto on a key bill that will reduce emissions and increase resilience by modernizing our electricity grid. To prepare for even stronger climate progress next year, CCAN Action Fund volunteers are building relationships with state representatives in meetings throughout the summer.
ACTION MEMBERSHIP
The 757 Climate Action Team
Hampton Roads, Virginia! Since its launch last fall, the 757 Climate Action Team has been organizing at the intersection of climate justice, community care, and people power. In just a few short months, this dynamic volunteer-led team has made big waves – from rallying in Virginia Beach to digging in the dirt (literally) to build a more resilient region.
This spring, the team hosted an art build and climate rally in Virginia Beach to defend the Inflation Reduction Act and demand real investment in green jobs and infrastructure for our communities. Volunteers created bold, handmade visuals that brought art and activism to life in the streets.
In March, team members got their hands dirty in the name of climate resilience, leading a community invasive vine removal two-day action in Norfolk as a part of a larger strategy to combine environmental restoration with public education and community-building. By physically reclaiming space and nurturing local ecosystems, the team is modeling the resilient future they want to build for Hampton Roads.
Meanwhile, their advocacy has reached new heights. The 757 team is organizing local resistance to Virginia Natural Gas’s proposed Chesapeake compressor station expansion. Through petitioning, community canvassing, and public comment outreach, they’ve connected local residents to opportunities to speak out, and they’re building a campaign to hold polluters accountable. They’re also working to expand public transportation access.
Earlier this summer, they’ve already gathered over 200 petition signatures at events like Portsmouth Pride Fest and the Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival. Volunteers have emphasized the economic impacts of climate inaction and data center expansion, and residents have responded with enthusiasm and urgency!
The 757 team is a great example of what happens when people come together to fight for the future they deserve. Whether it’s testifying before council, leading community cleanups, or building campaigns from scratch, these volunteers are putting climate justice into action, one day at a time. Email zander@
Invasive Vines Removal
Saving Our Trees
CCAN’s Invasive Vines program ramped up this spring and is now supporting vine removal events twice weekly in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve engaged over 200 new volunteers and rescued more than 1,700 trees from invasive vines!
How did we do this? In February and March, we laced up our sneakers and counted trees. Specifically, trees infested with invasive vines. Volunteers covered countless miles in the D.C. region and found 4,719 trees in need of rescuing. With a new mapping program developed by Casey Trees, we can see all of this data visually and track our progress in real time.
We’ve also partnered with a number of groups and organizations in the area. Together, we’ve been able to increase our outreach and execute new and exciting projects, like our series of Bicyclists against Invasive Vines rides during the spring with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.
In Prince George’s County, we’ve been working closely with two volunteer-led community groups, the Riverdale Park Sustainability Committee and the Cottage City Green Team to organize and support the county’s efforts to rescue trees on public and private property. These groups have helped immensely by connecting us with town officials, providing volunteer support, and helping to spread the word about the program.
This summer, we will keep the momentum going with a goal to rescue 500 trees in July and August. Find an event near you to help save our trees!
5k For The Planet
Inaugural Event is a Huge Success
In April, CCAN hosted our first-ever 5K For The Planet in Richmond at Bryan Park! More than 70 runners, walkers, families, and local climate advocates came together to lace up and show their support for bold climate action in Virginia. The event not only energized our movement but also welcomed new faces to CCAN’s work across the region. If you live in the Richmond area, we hope to see you there next year!
In this new climate era, we need to build a people-powered climate movement. Your tax-deductible donation to the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) promotes policies that keep fossil fuels in the ground and that advance clean energy in Maryland, Virginia, DC, and nationwide. Give today! DONATE TODAY!
Stronger Together
US Wind
A special thank you to our friends at US Wind who sponsored our 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge this past February. US Wind is providing good jobs and clean, renewable energy to the state of Maryland. Learn more about US Wind >>>
Counterspark
Thank you to 5K Sponsor, Counterspark! Counterspark was created to pass state and federal policies to accelerate the transition to 100% clean power and electrified transportation. Today, Counterspark is mobilizing Americans in support of this goal. Learn more about Counterspark >>>
Morning Buzz X Climate Action
We’ve brewed up something special for you – and the planet! We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between CCAN and Beanetics Coffee Roasters, a beloved small business based in Annandale, Virginia. When you order through our special link, 25% of proceeds from select roasts will be donated back to CCAN to directly support our climate campaigns across the Chesapeake region. Beanetics is known for its commitment to fair pricing, sustainable sourcing, and small-batch roasting, making it the perfect local partner in the fight for a livable future. Get your Beanetics x CCAN roasts today to support climate action with every cup of coffee! Order yours today.
Climate Ride
Join Climate Ride for your next outdoor adventure while also raising funds for CCAN! Climate Ride hosts cycling, hiking, and running tours across the country and worldwide! Learn more today >>
