Sweet bikes (like this one) are yet another way that we can help fight global warming. Not that I need to tell you all this – after all, the easier it is to bike, the more people will do so, and the fewer cars we’ll be using. Woo!
If you want to learn more, and get involved in some MD bike advocacy, check out the Maryland Bike Symposium on February 4th, hosted by One Less Car.
Learn about MD’s bike trails, upcoming legislation,
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee late on the night of January 27 snuck in a provision to President Obama’s economic stimulus package that would allow as much as $50 BILLION of your dollars to be used as loan guarantees for construction of new nuclear reactors. This would be on top of the $18.5 Billion taxpayer dollars already authorized by Congress during the Bush administration.
Please CALL your Senators today (202-224-3121).
These loan guarantees would mean more nuclear reactors and more radioactive waste piling up in communities across our country. They would also mean less money for safer, cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives like solar and wind power.
The provision is vaguely worded. It would authorize $50 Billion in new loan guarantees for “eligible technologies.” These technologies include nuclear, “clean coal,” renewable energy sources and electric transmission. But the stimulus package is intended to create new jobs and economic activity over the next two years. Not only should new nuclear reactors and the false concept of
Psst…
…if you haven’t heard, from Feb. 27th to March 2nd, 10,000+ young people will be converging in Washington, DC for Power Shift 2009. Continue reading
I got a heads up today that the Ron Smith show – airing on WBAL from 3-6 TODAY (Tuesday) –
Yesterday Gov. Kaine applauded Virginia’s electrical co-ops for donating energy efficient lights to Virginia State Parks, hailing it as “a major step forward” for Virginia.
It’s great that Virginia is taking strides to be more energy efficient. Considering Virginia spent just $84,000 statewide on efficiency measures in 2006, compared with $400,000 in Alabama and Mississippi and $3.8 billion in North Carolina, we certainly need to be stepping up our commitment to efficiency.
It’s also great that this is a “major step.” What exactly does that mean? Continue reading
What do these things have in common?
They’re part of Governor O’Malley’s legislative agenda. Woo!
Of course, the part that I really care about is the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2009 (formally known as the Global Warming Solutions Act), also known as SB 278 to the policy wonks. For a summary of exactly what the bill does, you can check out O’Malley’s list of legislative priorities. It’s on page 10. Oh, and by the way, thank our favorite clean energy superhero if you haven’t already.
So why do I keep getting so excited about this bill? Well, a lot of reasons. Not only does it take a crucial step in regulating our global warming pollution right here in MD, it also creates jobs and stimulates the economy (check out this report for how investing in clean energy will create thousands of jobs here in MD). It puts us on the right path to actually reducing pollution right here in MD – something that’s sorely needed considering that we emit almost as much global warming pollution as Sweden and Norway combined, even though MD is WAY smaller in size.
The best part, though, is broad-ranging support this bill has. For the first time, Maryland’s top labor leaders and many key manufacturing companies support the legislation. This is thanks to in-depth discussions facilitated by the Governor’s staff late last year and involving all key stakeholders from across the state. We hope these kinds of stakeholder meetings can be seen as an example as other states and the federal government move forward on climate legislation. During facilitated stakeholder meetings it became clear that, in addition to Maryland’s global warming bill, we also need a very strong federal carbon cap. This cap will complement Maryland’s effort by creating a level national playing field for industries and workers. Maryland can take a big step by passing this bill, but our one state can only do so much. After the passage of this bill, we’ll be setting our sights on Washington and look forward to working with Maryland’s influential federal leaders to champion much-needed climate legislation.
By the way: as your friendly and official Annapolis Correspondent, I’ll be posting updates on the GGRA as it moves through the legislative process, and keeping you informed on how to get involved. The next step for the bill? A hearing in the Senate Committee on Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs. If there are any shenanigans, you’ll be the first to know. Continue reading
Youth ages 13-26 are invited to submit original scientific research or position papers to the Citizen Science Technical Board for the 2009 Citizen Science paper competition! Winners will, in addition to publication, have the chance to present their work at the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (UN CSD), convening at the United Nations Headquarters (NYC) from May 4-15, 2009.
“The ability to speak before some of the most influential people in the
world was indeed an honor and something that I will remember for years to come.”
Continue reading
Today, President Obama announced his commitment to make America the leader in the fight against global warming. His speech this morning highlighted his efforts to push for higher fuel-efficiency standards and a reduction in tail-pipe emissions. Two executive orders he passed down today ordered the Transportation Department to set a guideline for the auto industry to follow in meeting the fuel-efficiency standards of 35 miles-per-gallon by 2020 and for the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider California’s proposal to further regulate auto emissions beyond that which is required by the federal government. The reconsideration of this proposal by the EPA is a reversal of the Bush administration’s decision which denied California that same right. On this topic, President Obama stated “the federal government must work with, not against, states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” He also mentioned the importance of creating a “Global Coalition” to take action and declared that it is America’s time to lead this effort, saying that this “moment of peril must be turned into one of progress.”
There are a lot of efficiency bills being considered by the VA GA this session. Here’s a breakdown of what’s good and what’s not:
Good:
Strong efficiency legislation must: 1) Be mandatory; 2) Reduce the total amount of energy consumed; and 3) Must reward utilities for investments in efficiency by offering them the same rate of return on their investment – no matter if they’re investing in efficiency or new generation.
The following bills include all or part of a strong energy efficiency legislation
Bad
The following so-called “efficiency” legislation would actually roll back efficiency measures and make it easier to pollute our air:
Fact Sheets and Resources
For years, the Bush Administration blocked states from implementing Clean Cars legislation that would regulate carbon dioxide emissions from cars and help to reduce global warming pollution. Just days after taking office, Pres. Obama announced today that he is clearing the way for states to implement stricter emissions rules. Both Maryland and Washington, DC have passed legislation demanding that cars meet California’s emissions rules and, coming from an organization that spent years raising awareness about the importance of Clean Cars legislation, all we can say is: it’s about time! Finally, Maryland and DC are able to implement a law that enjoyed overwhelming support when it was passed years ago.
DC and Maryland are both leading the nation in tackling global warming. The states have strong green building standards, efficiency measures and now strong automobile standards. While the states have been stepping up to the plate and making strong strides in reducing global warming emissions, the federal government has been lagging behind and even blocking our efforts. We are enormously gratified that one of President Obama’s first acts as President was to come out and support the states who are leading the way to fight global warming, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and protect our health.
Check out this video where Obama explains why this waiver is so important:
Read the transcript of the full speech here>> Continue reading
