Author: CCAN Supporter

Baltimore, Md.—Last night, the Baltimore City Council took its first step toward addressing the dangers of potentially explosive crude oil trains running through the city. Council President Jack Young introduced a bill that would require the first-ever city study of the health and safety risks posed by transporting crude oil by rail through Baltimore. Every member of the city council is a cosponsor of the ordinance (Bill 16-0621).
The bill would require the City Health Department to study the public health and safety risks oil trains pose to communities along rail lines. It also requires public outreach to inform residents of the study findings and directs city agencies to incorporate those findings into their incident response plans.
“Having a plan in place is instrumental to effectively tackling any situation that may unfold in the transportation of crude oil by rail,” said City Council President Jack Young. “The City of Baltimore is pleased to partner with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network to ensure the safety and health of our residents.”
Over 165,000 Baltimore residents live within a mile radius of train tracks known to transport highly volatile and explosive crude oil, putting them in the potential impact zone of a derailment and disaster. Recently, a Maryland judge ruled against rail companies CSX and Norfolk Southern, which were trying to block the state from releasing oil train routes to the public.
Released documents show that crude oil trains run along 26th street in Charles Village, through the Howard Street Tunnel, next to Camden Yards and Ravens Stadium, and over Gwynn’s Falls. Trains then travel through Morrell Park, Mt. Winans, Westport and Brooklyn on their way to a rail-to-barge terminal in the Fairfield Peninsula next to Curtis Bay, where oil is then shipped out of the harbor to East Coast refineries.
“Trains carrying North Dakota crude oil, known to be highly explosive and volatile, put neighborhoods like Westport in a vulnerable and dangerous situation,” said Keisha Allen, president of the Westport Community Association, which represents an area directly adjacent to routes used by crude oil trains. “As crude-by-rail traffic has increased, so have accidents, posing significant risks to the environment, homes, and our lives.”
“Baltimore communities deserve to know what’s at risk when oil trains roll through their neighborhoods,” said Jon Kenney, Healthy Communities Organizer with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Passing this bill is the first step to raising awareness and taking action to protect Baltimore communities. Ultimately, much more is needed at all levels, city, state, and federal, to prevent a potential human and environmental disaster.”
Five explosive oil train derailments have occurred in the U.S. and Canada over the past year. The worst North American oil train disaster occurred in July of 2013, when a train carrying explosive Bakken crude oil from North Dakota derailed and exploded in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, causing the deaths of 47 people. The closest oil train derailments to our area occurred in Mount Carbon, WV in February of 2015; and Lynchburg, Virginia in April of 2014. Because crude oil is shipped through and out of Baltimore, a similar disaster could happen here, or anywhere trains travel through Maryland to the city.
To highlight the risks oil trains pose to Baltimore residents, and discuss ways to take action, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network is holding a town hall meeting on Thursday, February 11th at 7pm in Charles Village. The event will feature a mom who lived through the Lac-Mégantic tragedy, City Council representatives, and experts on the issue. Attendees will also learn how they can get involved in city and statewide efforts to address the dangers of oil trains. The event will take place at the 2640 Space at St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21218.
RESOURCES:

• View information about the ordinance on the City Council website: https://baltimore.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2557511&GUID=3360B46C-5F17-48A0-B7E9-A302B8A72549&Options=ID%7cText%7c&Search=16-0621&FullText=1
• View a PDF of the ordinance at: http://chesapeakeclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Baltimore-Ordinance-Oil-Trains.pdf
• See the ForestEthics Oil Train Blast Zone map to find which Baltimore areas are in the one-mile impact zone: http://explosive-crude-by-rail.org/

Contact:
Jon Kenney, 240-396-1985, jon@chesapeakeclimate.org
Kelly Trout, 240-396-2022, kelly@chesapeakeclimate.org

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Dominion’s Approach to Federal Clean Power Plan Would Harm Virginia’s Future

RICHMOND – A wide array of Virginia civic, health, faith, and environmental leaders today released a letter asking Governor Terry McAuliffe to reject all efforts by Dominion Virginia Power to push for implementation of historic federal clean power rules in a way that would increase carbon pollution in the Commonwealth.
Leaders representing 50 organizations reminded McAuliffe that only he, as governor, is authorized to make the final decision on how to implement the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Clean Power Plan” in Virginia. It is therefore his explicit responsibility to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening Virginia’s economy and helping improve public health. Anything less will support more pollution, which is “fundamentally contrary” to existing U.S. policy and the interests of Virginia residents, the groups write.
“I cannot remember such a diverse range of groups weighing in on a pollution issue in Virginia before,” said Tram Nguyen, co-executive director of the group New Virginia Majority. “This letter calls for action on what we hope will be the governor’s greatest legacy. The governor can adopt a plan that will strengthen our economy while protecting people’s health now and for generations to come.”
The letter states that Virginia should reduce its total carbon pollution from power plants at least 30% by the year 2030, by applying the same standards to both existing and new power plants, and increasing our use of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
But Virginia utilities, led by Dominion CEO Tom Farrell, want a plan that would apply the federal rule only to old, existing power plants – not new fossil fuel power plants. This would allow Dominion to increase carbon pollution for decades more.
“This will be the governor’s most significant environmental decision,” said Claire Wyatt with the Virginia Student Power Network. “Virginia needs to do its part to cut carbon pollution which is fueling climate change, and threatening our health and infrastructure.”
“Across the Commonwealth, we understand that dirty energy is harming our neighbors, close to home and around the world, and that we have a moral responsibility to do our part to cut carbon pollution,” said Rev. Dr. Faith B. Harris of Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, through which hundreds of Virginia’s faith communities are speaking out in support of the Clean Power Plan. “We’re already hard at work shifting to cleaner energy in our congregations, and we call on Governor McAuliffe to follow our lead.”
The Clean Power Plan, released by the EPA last August under the Clean Air Act, aims to reduce carbon pollution from power plants 30% by 2030.
If implemented with energy efficiency and renewable energy, the Clean Power Plan will yield many benefits for Virginians, including reducing the rates of childhood asthma and supporting efforts to reduce sea-level rise and related flooding in our coastal communities.
Groups signing the letter include: the Hampton Roads Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hip Hop Caucus, Virginia Council of Churches, the Healthy Food Coalition, Black Action Now, The Association of Energy Conservation Professionals, Secure Futures, Old Dominion Energy Services, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Virginia Student Power Network, Virginia Organizing, We Act for Environmental Justice, Wetlands Watch, Wild Virginia, and more.
The letter to Governor McAuliffe concludes by saying, “Never in history has a Virginia governor had greater authority, greater responsibility and a greater opportunity to combat harmful carbon pollution.”
View the full text of the letter to Gov. McAuliffe at: http://chesapeakeclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/CleanPowerPlan_GovernorLetter_1.18.16.pdf
Contact:
Kate Addleson, kate.addleson@sierraclub.org, 703-963-5800
Kelly Trout, kelly@chesapeakeclimate.org, 240-396-2022

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Bipartisan state bill would create Virginia’s first dedicated funding stream for adaptation—a key missing piece in the race to combat flooding
NORFOLK—Dawone Robinson, Virginia Policy Director at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, had the following statement in response to the federal announcement that Virginia will receive a $120.5 million grant for urgently needed sea-level rise adaptation projects in the Hampton Roads region:
“The federal government has come through with a critically needed down payment toward adaptation solutions in Hampton Roads. But much more is needed to help localities across Virginia deal with the mounting costs of flooding driven by sea level rise and climate disruption.
“So far, local governments have largely shouldered these costs alone, and they urgently need help. To put the federal award in context, Norfolk alone needs at least $1 billion to fully prepare for rising seas, which is equal to the city’s entire annual government operating budget. Today’s award does not cover Virginia Beach, the state’s largest city and one of the most vulnerable to storm surges. We need shared solutions at all levels of government, and a key missing piece is a dedicated state revenue stream to share the burden of adaptation costs with localities.
“Our state lawmakers must step up now by passing the Virginia Coastal Protection Act. This bipartisan bill will generate Virginia’s first dedicated source of funds to help localities statewide fight sea level rise and flooding. Virginia will receive more than $250 million per year in new revenue under a regional, market-based system that reduces carbon emissions, the key driver of rising seas. The legislation put forward by Senator McEachin (D-Henrico) and Delegate Villanueva (R-Virginia Beach) will dedicate a full half of those funds toward fighting sea level rise and flooding. The federal government has acted, and now it’s the General Assembly’s turn.”
NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: On Monday, January 25th, hundreds of Virginians—including a bus full of 50 Hampton Roads residents—will converge on Richmond to urge state lawmakers to pass the Virginia Coastal Protection Act, as part of the annual Conservation Lobby Day in Richmond. During an action outside the General Assembly building, activists will highlight the irreversible damage that could come from inaction on climate change. Coastal residents will wear yellow rain boots to signify the immediate threat of flooding in their home cities.
Journalists can cover Monday’s action starting at 11 a.m. near the equestrian statue beside the Capitol building and ending with a photo op and remarks at the Bell Tower from 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
A fact sheet on the Virginia Coastal Protection Act (SB 571/HB 351), and how it would fund flooding solutions, is available at: http://chesapeakeclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2016-CCAN-VA-Coastal-Protection-Act-Factsheet.pdf
Contact:
Dawone Robinson, 804-767-0372, dawone@chesapeakeclimate.org
Kelly Trout, 240-396-2022, kelly@cheapeakeclimate.org

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Consumer advocates join Sen. McEachin (D) and Del. Villanueva (R) in push to help low-income families and flood-prone communities

RICHMOND—Democratic Senator Donald McEachin and Republican Delegate Ron Villanueva joined consumer advocates at the Capitol in Richmond today to outline how their landmark bipartisan bill will help lower utility bills for Virginia families while reducing the carbon pollution causing climate change.
The bill—called the Virginia Alternative Energy and Coastal Protection Act (SB 571/HB 351)—would invest upwards of $75 million per year into energy efficiency programs targeting low- and moderate-income Virginians. This would create the state’s the largest dedicated source of funds to help consumers reduce electricity demand. The funds would come from adding Virginia to a regional, market-based system that caps and reduces carbon emissions, such as the nine-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
“Virginians pay the 10th-highest average home electric bills in the nation, largely due to lagging state policies to encourage efficiency,” said Senator Donald McEachin (D-Henrico), chief patron of SB 571. “This bill does the most to help our families save money while helping to protect our climate.”
Experts estimate that Virginia would receive more than $250 million per year in new state revenue as power plants pay a fee for their emissions. The McEachin-Villanueva bill would direct half of those funds toward flood-protection measures—creating the state’s first dedicated revenue stream for adaptation projects—while investing nearly one-third into energy efficiency programs for renters and homeowners.
“We have a common-sense, bipartisan approach that brings real resources to huge problems facing our state,” said Delegate Ron Villanueva (R-Virginia Beach and Chesapeake), chief patron of HB 351. “That’s why the Virginia Municipal League, and city councils representing more than one million people across the state are working to pass this bill.”
Low-income housing and consumer advocates joined today’s press conference to underline their support.
“Lawmakers in Virginia can help families save money by prioritizing solutions that save energy,” said Zack Miller, Director of Policy at the Virginia Housing Alliance. “This bill will help low- and moderate-income renters and homeowners alike save more of their hard-earned income and live in more comfortable and affordable housing.”
A recent study by researchers at Virginia Tech found that proper energy efficiency improvements would save the average apartment renter $54 per month in heating and cooling costs, or nearly $650 annually. Meanwhile, the American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy (ACEEE) ranks Virginia in the bottom half of states nationally in policies designed to encourage efficiency.
“When many low-income Virginians spend as much as a quarter of their annual household budget just to heat and cool their homes, it’s high time for action,” added Susan Hill, Executive Director of the Richmond Region Energy Alliance.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has a track record of saving consumers money from Maine to Maryland. A recent report by the Analysis Group found that the RGGI program has helped consumers in participating states save a total of $460 million on their utility bills in the last three years alone. Citizens in the RGGI region pay lower average monthly electric bills and use much less energy per household compared to Virginians.
“Virginia should be at the top of the pack, not the bottom, when it comes to helping families save energy,” said K.C. Bleile, Executive Director of EarthCraft Virginia, a statewide non-profit that runs one of the largest regional green building programs in the country. “We see huge environmental and economic benefits from energy efficient housing, and we need state policy to support the rising demand for healthy, efficient homes.”
The bipartisan Virginia Coastal Protection Act is the most comprehensive climate action plan ever introduced in the Virginia General Assembly. It would position Virginia to meet the federal Clean Power Plan while generating hundreds of millions of dollars to invest in statewide solutions. In addition to flood-protection and energy efficiency measures, the bill would fund economic development in the coal regions of Southwest Virginia and solar projects statewide.
A broad and diverse coalition—including the Virginia Municipal League, the city governments of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, and Hampton, and environmental, social justice, faith, and consumer advocates—are pushing for its passage.
“City councils, consumer advocates, and citizens hammered by rising seas all agree: now is the time for action,” said Dawone Robinson, Virginia Policy Director at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Virginia must do more to address climate change, and our legislators have a historic, bipartisan opportunity to act right now.”
RESOURCES:

• Bill text of SB 571/HB 351
• Union of Concerned Scientists analysis of the carbon revenue benefits of the McEachin-Villanueva bill
• Analysis Group report on the economic and consumer benefits of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
• Fact sheet on the Virginia Coastal Protection Act

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Tiffany Hartung, Maryland Climate Coalition, o:(443) 759-3402, c: (248) 933-2451, hartungt@nwf.org
Kelly Trout, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, o:(240)396-2022, c: (717) 439-0346, kelly@chesapeakeclimate.org

Top MD Lawmakers Push for Clean Energy Expansion and Record-Large Jobs Bill on First Day of General Assembly

2016 legislation would boost wind and solar while building a diverse workforce, fulfilling President Obama’s State of the Union call to “invest in the future”

ANNAPOLIS—On the first day of the 2016 Maryland General Assembly session, state legislators joined clean energy advocates on Lawyers’ Mall to push for legislation that would significantly boost Maryland’s use of renewable energy, while creating the largest clean energy jobs training program in state history.

The Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Act of 2016 will ensure Maryland gets 25 percent of its electricity from clean sources like wind and solar by 2020, up from the current goal of 20 percent by 2022. It includes a $40 million plan to train and prepare more Marylanders for careers in clean energy and to bolster minority- and women-owned businesses within the clean energy economy.

Influential lawmakers—including the chairs of key House and Senate committees—joined today’s press conference with solar industry and environmental leaders, and dozens of climate activists. Large blown-up photos depicted the benefits of the bill, from cleaner air and healthier children to job training in underserved communities to reduced emissions of climate-disrupting pollution.

“We’ll grow Maryland’s clean energy economy in a way that increases the diversity of workers and business owners,” said Senator Catherine Pugh, Senate Majority Leader. “As we create more than 1,000 new solar jobs per year, we’ll also give more Marylanders pathways to good-paying careers.”

“2016 is the year to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act and invest in Maryland’s future by bringing more solar, more wind, and more jobs to our communities,” said Senator Brian Feldman, the lead Senate sponsor of the bill.

“This bill will ensure fast-growing industries create more jobs right here in Maryland,” said Delegate Bill Frick, the lead House sponsor of the bill.

“Expanding our state’s clean energy use and growing our state economy go hand in hand,” added Delegate Dereck Davis, chair of the House Economic Matters Committee. “We’re talking about thousands of new Maryland solar jobs that pay an average of $23 per hour, and new industries that could stimulate more Maryland manufacturing and construction.”

“I look forward to passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act out of my committee so we can keep Maryland at the forefront of clean energy,” said Senator Mac Middleton, chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

“This is a win-win-win for our economy, our environment, and our health in Maryland,” said Senator Rich Madaleno, vice-chair of the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee. “The climate benefits alone will be equal to taking 563,000 cars off the road each year. Cleaner air will mean fewer cases of asthma, healthier families, and reduced health care costs for the state.”

Expanding Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard to 25 percent will create incentives for roughly 1,300 new megawatts of clean energy. Plummeting solar and wind prices and abundant, untapped renewable assets position the state to easily achieve this higher goal at little to no cost to ratepayers, according to preliminary results of a study commissioned by industry leaders.