Category: Blog

Originally published on the Baltimore Sun
Over the last decade, power generated by wind and solar has become a growing portion of Maryland’s electricity each year. More people now work in Maryland’s wind and solar industries — over 5,500 — than the state’s crab industry, and in 2017 alone wind energy generation avoided 1.1 million metric tons of CO2 pollution in the state.
As representatives of solar and wind companies that power Maryland’s homes and businesses, we can say unequivocally that Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has been the single biggest factor in the growth of these clean energy sources.
Yet, in spite of these facts, a new report by the Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility (CPSR) entitled “Unbundled: How Renewable Energy Credits Undermine Maryland’s Transition to Clean, Renewable Energy,” incorrectly claims that Maryland’s energy policy is causing the state to go backward on building a clean energy economy. These inaccuracies have been echoed by Food and Water Watch, who puzzlingly gives Maryland, a leader in renewable energy policy, an “F” grade when 21 other states lack an RPS policy to begin with. Worse yet, misinformation about the RPS and its expansion threatens the jobs created and environmental progress we have made to date.
It is the consensus view of a broad coalition of renewable energy companies that CPSR’s conclusions are based on misinformed analysis and a failure to account for key aspects of Maryland’s RPS. We are writing on behalf of that coalition, which includes the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition (MAREC), the Maryland-D.C.-Virginia Solar Energy Coalition (MDV-SEIA) and the Maryland Utility Scale Solar Energy Coalition (USSEC).
CPSR’s report diverges from a broad consensus that RPS policies efficiently drive the development of new renewable energy projects. This virtually universal view is confirmed by the renewables industry and studies from U.S. national labs. Maryland’s RPS is achieved with a cost-efficient mix of renewable resources including in-state solar and wind projects along with renewable energy credits called RECs, which represent the environmental attributes of clean energy generation.
In a July report, economists at the well-regarded Brattle Group concluded that regional trading of unbundled RECs is one of the “most promising opportunities to use markets to meet states’ and customers’ environmental goals.” Brattle concludes that “States that work together…to express their goals in a resource-neutral and market-based fashion will be able to achieve more ambitious outcomes at a lower cost to ratepayers.”
Black liquor is a mix of chemicals and wood waste left over from the paper making process and Maryland legislators have declared burning black liquor a “renewable” energy source. But, according to some environmental advocates, burning black liquor isn’t clean.
Maryland’s electricity grid does not stop at state lines. Across the “PJM” power grid, which covers the mid-Atlantic, including Maryland and parts of the Midwest, RECs help new renewables displace power plants that pollute upwind of Maryland, helping clean our air even when renewable electricity is generated out of state. In that way, RECs help achieve the environmental benefits of Maryland’s RPS at the lowest cost to consumers.
RECs help efficiently manage renewable supply and demand across our region in the same way banks enable us to deposit $20 at one branch and withdraw it at another. It’s a different $20 bill, but that’s irrelevant; we still have $20. CPSR’s critique of unbundled RECs is analogous to insisting that the $20 bill we withdrew be identical to the one we deposited across town, a pointless and inefficient system with hugely negative implications for ratepayers.
CPSR’s report also significantly exaggerates both the compliance cost and the non-renewable content of the RPS, particularly as policymakers consider an RPS expansion via the Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Act (MCEJA) that specifically addresses those issues.
MCEJA would double Maryland’s commitment to renewable power, increase in-state solar and offshore wind, remove waste incineration from the RPS and introduce much lower compliance cost caps. MCEJA has been endorsed by all of Maryland’s renewable energy industry groups, scores of businesses and nonprofits and hundreds of political candidates. MCEJA was co-sponsored by a majority of Maryland’s legislature in 2018 and will be reintroduced in 2019. By improving on the success of the existing RPS, MCEJA is a practical and cost-effective approach to adding more wind and solar that will grow the state’s economy and help clean the air, compared to policies advocated by CPSR and Food and Water Watch, which call for completely overturning the existing RPS structure.
The renewable energy industry applauds Maryland’s lawmakers for their work to implement the existing RPS and we stand ready to work with them to make this successful policy even better for Marylanders through the Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Act.
Bruce Burcat (marec.org@gmail.com) is executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition (MAREC). David Murray, executive director of the Maryland-D.C.-Virginia Solar Energy Coalition; Andrew Gohn, Eastern region director of state affairs for the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA); and Cyrus Tashakkori, chairman of the Maryland Utility Scale Solar Energy Coalition (USSEC), also contributed to this op-ed.

Works referenced:
Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility: Unbundled: How Renewable Energy Credits Undermine Maryland’s Transition to Clean, Renewable Energy
Food & Water Watch: “Clean” Energy in Maryland Isn’t so Clean

Written By: Accacia “Casey” Grant, Healthy Communities Fellow
 
This summer, I spent my time petitioning for the offshore wind campaign at CCAN. Maryland is at the forefront of offshore wind development — our Public Service Commission approved the two largest wind farms in the country last year. Now, it’s up to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to give the final approval for the projects, which will create thousands of jobs and enough clean energy to power 500,000 homes.
As important and exciting as offshore wind is, making the case for the petition to BOEM is still critical.  After all, you are persuading random people to sign something for you.
Now, this was my first time ever petitioning, so of course, I was naturally all over the place (in the beginning). I had a quick training on how to petition and I just knew I had it down pack when I was practicing. I had my attention grabber, I practiced my “polite voice”, I had my most important points, and overall I just felt really prepared! My first petitioning event was at a local farmers market here in Baltimore and boy was I nervous. As I was getting out of my car, walking towards the market I had my first targets: 3 college girls wearing Johns Hopkins paraphernalia! In my head, I’m thinking “how hard can this be, I mean I’m in college and so are they, so I can do this”. I approached them very confident, and out came… GIBBERISH. I was a complete mess. As they laughed at me, I laughed too, and honestly, I just had to get my awkwardness out, after all I’m only human so it was bound to happen. They allowed me to restart and pitch to them:
Me: “ Hi! My name is Casey, would you like to sign a petition for clean energy?!”
Them: “Of Course, why wouldn’t we! ”
Me: “ I work for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and right now I’m working on a campaign to get offshore wind in Ocean City. Offshore wind is produced by wind turbines which creates energy, clean energy at that.”
Them: “that sounds super cool.”
Me: “ Yea, offshore wind will be used to power over half a million homes in Maryland, create jobs, and most importantly fight climate change!”
Them: “OMG that is amazing!”
By this time they were done signing the petition and I simply closed with “thank you for signing the petition! I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.” After the 3 JHU girls it was smooth sailing for the rest of the day.
Usually, there are other petitioners at events like a farmers market or festivals so you can do them a favor by signing their petition and they’ll usually sign yours as well! Approaching people can be pretty nerve-wracking, but honestly, when you put yourself out there it becomes easier and easier. I went to other events and of course I would be nervous in the beginning but I just remembered my elevator speech about the campaign and it flowed. Occasionally I would get questions and most of the time,  I knew the answer. But if I didn’t know the answer, I would simply say, “I’m not sure, but when I find out I can email you the answer” and they would say “great!”. Lastly, I would always advertise the volunteer checkbox to people, especially to college students.
So overall, petitioning isn’t hard once you pitch to a couple of people. Practice makes perfect, and after all, the worst a person can say to you asking them to sign the petition is “No”.
I created this guide to help all of the upcoming CCAN petitioners, hopefully it helps!
 
Uses

• Can be for stating grievances, initiating a law, organizing a union.
• Can be used to show public support for a cause or an issue.
• Educates the people.

 
Tips

• Don’t feel intimidated! Most people act like they don’t want to be approached but in reality a lot of people are nicer than they seem.
• Keep a smile on your face, look approachable, be nice and energetic.
• You don’t have to ask every single person that walks by but try to keep a goal of at least 10-15 people an hour.
• While you are explaining your petition go ahead and get the clipboard in their hands so they can be looking the petition over.

 
Communication Points

• First and foremost, always say Hi ! That is just common courtesy and remember you need them to sign something for you so you want to be polite.
• Have a cool attention grabber after you say hi. For instance, when I petitioned for offshore wind I started with “Hi! Would you like to sign a petition for clean energy?!” After that, the person would usually follow up with “hmm tell me more” and boom there is your moment to explain and sell the petition.
• Be sure to introduce yourself, organization, and your cause. People aren’t going to affiliate themselves with organization/cause/issue they know nothing about.
• Always emphasize the problem, but emphasize the solution even more!
• Your explanation does not have to be long, a quick elevator speech is all it takes. You don’t want to take too much of the person’s time.
• Always tell them that your organization loves volunteers and is more than open to anyone that wants to help.

• Lastly, always thank them for their time!

Last week (July 17, 2018), was my TENTH anniversary at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. I was honored that at our annual retreat, which kicked off on that very day, the staff took a moment and recognized me, my contributions, and acknowledged the changes that have taken place over that decade – both at CCAN and in the world. Through 4 governors in Virginia, 2 in Maryland, 3 DC mayors, countless legislator turnover, loss and gain of so many colleagues – more has changed than has stayed the same since 2008. So, I wanted to take a moment and acknowledge for a broader audience why I have stayed…why I continue to stay. Because I’m extremely proud of CCAN and I feel extremely lucky to have found this home and this outlet for my calling to be a part of this movement.
Everybody likes Top 10 lists, right? 10 points for 10 years. Plus, that’s a way to keep me from droning…so here goes, in order of length so you know it gets easier:
Number 10: CCAN’s size limits bureaucracy and maximizes flexibility.
I don’t know if I can communicate adequately how much this means to me. When a coalition partner wants us to sign a letter of support for their efforts, our campaign team and a member of the executive committee confer and we make a decision. It takes about 5 minutes. When I got to CCAN and realized that our health coverage was cumbersome and expensive, my colleague reached out to our broker, got 3 quotes and we changed it before the next fiscal year. What’s more – I stay because we realize this size is an advantage. Although we’d relish a random donor to come in and double our budget – we’d use it to strengthen our existing campaigns, offer more support to the frontline communities we’re fighting alongside, hire 2 more organizers, pay all of our interns instead of offering 3 paid internships a year, hire 1 administrative support staff, 1 full-time fundraiser (bringing that department to a total of TWO dedicated staff), and then give everyone raises and/or additional benefits because we live in one of the most expensive regions of the country and have to fight for every dollar to pay our staff of 15 living wages. Any takers? Accepting donations now. ☺
Number 9: CCAN has no permanent friends and no permanent enemies.
Well, we probably do…but, my point is that we’ll work with almost anyone/group who wants to truly address the climate crisis and we’ll call anyone out who hinders that progress (privately or publicly, depending on the weight of their actions and whether they’re usually friends or usually enemies). That includes politicians of all stripes, other advocacy groups, corporations, and individuals. For example…when VA governor Terry McAuliffe kept paying lip service to the climate while standing alongside Dominion Energy’s CEO to announce his support for its MASSIVE and unnecessary fracked-gas pipeline – we decided we’d given that Democrat enough chances. We pushed back harder than we had on any governor before, even orchestrating arrests outside his home to protest his critically ignorant and harmful move. We knew we were burning that bridge, and we knew someone had to. It’s worth noting that right before he left office, as he saw his “green” reputation in jeopardy, he took an action we’d be asking him to for 4 years – he issued an executive order linking Virginia to a regional carbon cap agreement, his first concrete, significant step for the climate. I stay for moments of impact like that.
Number 8: Our scope of work is like the porridge that is “just right.”
I have a four-year-old and am heavy in storybookland. CCAN is a regional group. Our name results in so much confusion thanks to the popularity of the Chesapeake Bay…but, it’s meant to give a regional title and ‘Chesapeake’ sounds so much better than ‘Mid-Atlantic,’ right? But, after working here, I’m convinced we’d be farther along in the climate movement if there were more regional groups that focused on grassroots organizing. We have a central leadership team that brings consistency to our work, communications support and expertise, and just enough administrative support to ensure that the majority of our staff is insulated from the worst of it. Meanwhile, our campaign staff knows the geography, politics, and constituencies of Maryland, DC, and Virginia inside and out. It’s a beautiful arrangement and I wish there more CCANs out there…with clearer names that don’t insinuate a knowledge they don’t have (please don’t ask me about phosphate in the Bay). ☺ Sometimes I think I should leave to go start one of these groups. Don’t worry, Mike, I have no immediate plans.
Number 7: CCAN has seen me through some life-changing times.
My mom was diagnosed with cancer just months before I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I spent a week per month over the course of 8 months working remotely to be with her and my family with Mike’s only question being: what else can we do to support you? I spent much of the winter that she died in North Carolina, doing work when I could, thankful for the escape it brought and thankful to leave it behind as needed. The entire CCAN team was patient as I made my back to the world, in a fog at first, with more clarity as time passed…only to embark on the next fog with the birth of my two children over the next few years. I’ve been able to carve out a role that supports CCAN, the climate, me, and my family and I’m so grateful.
Number 6: We take chances on people.
CCAN has launched and furthered the careers of DOZENS of change agents. We often hire young, inexperienced staff because we value fresh eyes, we value passion mixed with a readiness to learn and take on big responsibility, and we thrive on the energy and creativity that new advocates and organizers bring to our campaigns. Our alumni are running other climate and environmental organizations or programs, making a living running a nationally known podcast, starting up their own consulting careers supporting clean energy, and litigating climate protection, to name a few. CCAN has trained and supported many of them over the last decade, and while I’d never take credit for their success, I’m proud to be a part of it.
Number 5: CCAN takes risks.
We are – as an organization, from the top to the bottom – willing and ready to take risks and push the envelope. Most of the time that pays off, and when it doesn’t we learn from it and move on. We’ve dumped a ton (literally) of coal on a Senate lawn garnering national media coverage (yay!), and we mailed letters along with little packets of coffee beans to legislators in Annapolis to prove a point about how little of an investment we were asking for offshore wind…the amount of a cup of coffee…resulting in a building-wide Anthrax scare (oops – we learned a valuable lesson or two!). We sit down with legislators, but we also sit-IN their offices if that’s what’s needed. I stay because this inspires me.
Number 4: CCAN has a culture of learning.
How can we be better, more effective, more just, win faster, win slower to go faster, take more risks, take fewer risks, build more power, build more strategic power, etc. etc.? Most of our annual retreats and in-person quarterly staff meetings are spent tackling our weaknesses, offering trainings to strengthen our skills, and debriefing our recent efforts to document things we did well and things we’d do differently next time around. I stay because I’m proud of that culture – our people and our planet deserve it.
Number 3: We also know when to compromise so we can live to fight another day.
We have passed legislation in Maryland and DC that set national precedent and we’ve passed bills that are far from what we wanted because we realized that the tiny investment in clean energy in Virginia was all we were gonna get until some new leadership came along. In deciding to pursue legislation as one of our strategies, compromise is a given. But, we push as far and as hard as we can, and that’s one reason I stay.
Number 2: We win.
Our list of victories is long and getting longer each year. We’re efficient, we’re smart, we’re tenacious. And, as I’m always teaching our staff at CCAN – we are good planners and time managers. So, with that…I’ll skip listing them all out even though it’s one of the most important reasons I stay. Because I need to get back to work.
Number 1: We have a culture of gratitude.
Thank you to CCAN for this second home. Thank you to Mike Tidwell for having the sheer will and passion it takes to sustain this organization. Thank you to each and every staff person past and present who supports me, teaches me, and inspires me to keep doing this work. Thank you to each and every volunteer and coalition partner who makes this a MOVEMENT, not a job. Here’s to another decade working for climate justice.

–Written by Pam Tinker, a recent visitor to “No Pipeline Summer: A Camp to Save the Limperts’ Land”
Greetings from Bath County Virginia!
Bruce and I are visiting the home and land of Bill and Lynn Limpert to see firsthand their land in the path of Dominion’s proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline. We urge you to bring a group to “No Pipeline Summer” to see and hear for yourself how sinister this proposal really is! Bill and Lynn are gracious and knowledgeable hosts. You will learn so much and the drive is beautiful!
We went for a beautiful walk this Sunday morning along the steep ridges and in the old-growth forest of trees that are several centuries old. I tried to imagine how a pipeline could possibly be built along these steep ridges without causing grave damage to the ecosystems and the waterways that feed to the James River and then to the Chesapeake Bay. The idea that a for-profit company is given the right to force their way onto private land and our public lands for economic profit using eminent domain is abhorrent to me.
I am incensed that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) did not hold hearings in Northern Virginia and that

And click here to sign up for No Pipeline Summer. You won’t regret it!

Calling all photography enthusiasts!

In celebration of summer, we’re kicking off a photo contest and we’re hoping to hear from YOU! Do you have beautiful images you’d like to share with our community and the world? Do you want to showcase a visual story about climate change, the environment and community? What do you treasure about where you live? Why are YOU hopeful for the future?
Send in an image for your chance to win prizes and recognition within our member community and on the web. Prizes will include gift cards to local DC businesses. The three winners will also get the chance to guest write a blog post or take part in an interview, telling the story of their image. It’s a great way to connect with our community and share your perspective on your climate home.
Photos should feature the following:

• Environmental themes: Did you help protect our natural resources? Participate in a rally for a carbon price? Get your community involved in a solar project? Start a neighborhood garden? Lobby your legislator environmental justice? Show us how you are working on environmental issues.
• The natural beauty of the Chesapeake region: We’re lucky that DC, Virginia, and Maryland are so filled with nature! Showcase yourself with your favorite city/nature hotspot! Tell us in the description how it helps  refresh yourself.
• Anything you treasure at risk from climate change: From your favorite bee to your cousin’s nephew, what do you cherish and want to protect from climate change? Show us why it is so important to act on climate change where you live.

Entering our photo contest is free and easy. Simply choose to submit via Instagram or email, following the instructions below. Email info@carbonpricedc.org with the subject line “Photo Contest” with any questions.

• Google form: http://bit.ly/photo-contest-form
• By email: Send your photo and a description with the subject line “Photo Contest Submission” to info@chesapeakeclimate.org
• Act Fast! The contest is only open until early September (date to be determined soon).
• Follow all instructions under the Rules and Guidelines below.

Winners will be announced by early September and publicized in our communications and social media throughout the rest of summer and fall. Winners will be notified by email. Make sure your email is included when you submit your entry.
Prizes will be awarded to the Grand Prize winner and three finalists. The prizes will be gift cards to local businesses who support carbon pricing and climate action. The Grand Prize is $40 to ANXO Cidery and Pintxos Bar, and the runner-up prizes will receive gift certificates ranging from $18 to $25 to other DC businesses.
*By entering the  Photo Contest, you are agreeing to the rules and guidelines of the Photo Contest (below).

• To be eligible to enter, you must be 18 years or older.
• Limit five submissions per member.
• Each participant in the Photo Contest (each a “Participant”) is responsible for ensuring that he or she has the right to submit.
• Submit large, high resolution images in color or black and white.
• Only original photos taken by the person or featuring the person submitting are eligible; others will be disqualified.
• Only digital entries are eligible and must be submitted electronically. You may submit scans of slides or paper prints.

By sharing your photograph with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), you agree to the following:

• If the photo(s) you share with this group is of someone other than you or something not on your or public property, you have obtained permission and/or have the ability and authority to submit such photo(s) for display on CCAN’s website as described above, and you agree that the images do not infringe on any third party’s rights.
• No payment will be made to you for CCAN’s display of the photos taken of or submitted by you.
• If your photo is selected as a finalist, you hereby grant CCAN permission to display the photograph you submit along with your name in promotions of the Photo Contest on the CCAN website, other publications, Facebook updates, Twitter content, and in member emails.
• By entering the Photo Contest, participants agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless CCAN, its respective subsidiaries, affiliates, attorneys, agents and representatives, from any and all third party liability for any injuries, loss, claim, action, demand or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with the competition (collectively, “Losses”), including without limitation any third party claim for copyright infringement or a violation of an individual’s right to privacy and/or publicity right. The Photo Contest is void where prohibited by law.
• CCAN is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the photo competition, or by any technical or human error that may occur in the processing of submissions to the photo competition, including but not limited to any misprints or typographical errors. CCAN assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. CCAN is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer equipment, servers, providers, computer on-line systems, software, or failure of email on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, including injury or damage to participant’s or to any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating or uploading images or information in the photo contest.
• If, for any reason, the photo competition is not capable of completion as planned, including but not limited to, any reason of infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes beyond the control of CCAN that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the photo competition, CCAN reserves the right at their sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the photo competition.

 
Photo at the top by Alexa Gaul on Unsplash
Alexa Gaul