Category: Blog

Yesterday was a truly inspiring day. I joined over 100 climate activists from across Virginia for the Virginia Conservation Network’s Conservation Lobby Day.
We descended on the General Assembly in Richmond for what was certainly the biggest climate lobby day of the year. We met, we rallied. We called for bold climate action NOW – urging our legislators to protect Virginia’s most vulnerable communities from climate-change fueled flooding by supporting the Virginia Coastal Protection Act (SB 571/HB 351), calling on Governor Terry McAuliffe to “do the right thing” when deciding how Virginia will respond to new federal climate rules, urging our leaders to oppose offshore drilling and hundreds of new miles of fracked-gas pipelines, and protect Virginia’s rivers from dirty coal ash.

For some of our most ardent activists, the day started at 6 AM, as nearly 50 community members from coastal Virginia climbed on a bus for the two hour ride to Richmond.
For all of us, kicking yesterday’s lobby day off with a pep talk from Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam was a big highlight. The Lieutenant Governor was an inspiring keynote speaker at CCAN’s celebration of Virginia’s Coastal Climate Champions in Norfolk last May, and he didn’t disappoint yesterday. The Lieutenant Governor urged us to ask for what we want, which, I’m proud to say, is exactly what we did!

Over the course of the morning, the 100+ activists met with just over 75 Senate and House offices, including members of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee and the House Special Subcommittee on Energy, who will be the deciding votes on many of our biggest climate bills this year.

After intense lobbying, we joined the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, Moms Clean Air Force, and Senator Donald McEachin (D-Richmond), among others, for a press conference to urge Governor McAuliffe and other state leaders to “do the right thing” when it comes to meeting the goals of the new federal climate plan.
In the coming months, Governor McAuliffe will be forced to choose between what’s good for Virginia’s biggest utility, Dominion Virginia Power, and what’s good for all of us when deciding how to respond to new federal climate rules. Moms, dads, grandparents, kids and other concerned activists at yesterday’s press conference urged him to stand with us.

Yesterday’s lobby day culminated with a creative action on the grounds of the capitol itself: as legislators walked from the General Assembly building to the Capitol Building, more than 60 of us chanted for climate action and coastal protection. Many of us donned yellow rain boots, and held up signs with images of hard hit coastal neighborhoods and residents. When Delegate Ron Villanueva (R-Virginia Beach), House sponsor of the Virginia Coastal Protection Act, walked by, cheers went up and he smiled with pride.
I’ve been to lots of lobby days over the years. Yesterday’s felt uniquely powerful. The movement to call for real, bold climate action in Virginia, from our legislators and our Governor, is growing. I look forward to the days, weeks, months and years ahead, as we see some of the changes we were calling for Wednesday become a reality.
Whether it’s calling your legislator to urge them to vote for coastal protection, and against offshore drilling and fracked-gas pipelines, or signing our new petition to Governor McAuliffe to urge him make the right decision this spring, or joining us at a future rally or meeting: we need you to keep the movement going. 
 

We’re fighting important fights across the region this spring – from creating the largest clean energy jobs plan in Maryland to capping carbon in Virginia to putting a price on it in DC. We’re lucky enough to be joined, as we are every year, by a talented group of spring fellows and interns who will be working alongside our field organizers and volunteers over the next several weeks and months to build the people-powered movement it’s going to take to win.
Please join us in welcoming these talented young people to the CCAN team!
Caleb Drake, No New Pipelines
Caleb is working with CCAN’s Virginia Field Organizer, Drew Gallahger, to stop an unprecedented expansion of natural gas infrastructure in Virginia, from Dominion’s proposed 564-mile, $5.1 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline through central Virginia, to a new gas plant in Greensville County to a new compressor station in Fairfax. Caleb attends J. Sargeant Reynolds in Richmond and plans to major in Environmental Science and Policy.
Caleb is a Richmond native, and loves living between the beach and the mountains, with the James in his backyard.
 
 
Darien Pusey and Nicholas (Cole) McCarren, Don’t Frack Maryland
Darien and Cole are working with CCAN’s Field Director, Monique Sullivan, to keep the dangerous practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, out of Maryland. This spring, this team is focused on banning the practice in Prince George’s County.
Cole is a junior at the University of Maryland-College Park, majoring in Geographic Sciences, and an active member of the school’s Student Sustainability Coalition. Cole is a native Marylander and Eagle Scout.
Darien recently graduated from UMD with a double major in Environmental Science and Policy. He has worked with the U.S. Climate Action Network and the American Council on Renewable Energy and is looking forward to a long career in environmental and public policy.
Shanna Fricklas, Maryland and DC Policy Fellow
Shanna is working with CCAN’s Maryland and DC Policy Director, James McGary, to research and develop policy positions, draft white papers and other advocacy materials, and support our lobbying efforts in Annapolis. She graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2015 with a Certification in Environment & Natural Resources Law, and came to CCAN in search of an opportunity to chase her passion for tackling climate change. Shanna has worked with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Sustainable Northwest, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and the legal team at the Climate Reality Project. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, camping, hiking, and the company of her energetic guinea pig named Gizmo.
 
Yashodhara Varma, Safe Coast Virginia
Yashodhara is working with CCAN’s Statewide Organizer, Charlie Spatz, to protect vulnerable communities across Virginia from the impacts of climate change, and put the first ever cap on carbon emissions in the state. Yashodhara is a freshman at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, and enjoys graphic design and photography. She is the Editor-in-chief of the Virginia Junior Academy of Science Voice, and a Richmond Peace Education Center Youth Leader.
 
 
 
 
Zack Kelleher, Forward with Clean Energy
Zack is working with CCAN’s Maryland Outreach Coordinator, Brooke Harper, to put Maryland on track to double its commitment to clean energy this year while creating the state’s largest clean energy jobs plan. Zack is a senior at UMD-College Park, studying Psychology and Sustainability. A native Marylander, his passion for protecting the environment began with the Chesapeake Bay. Zack is pursuing a career in environmental policy and research, and has worked with Environment America, PIRG, the Fund for the Public Interest, Blue Raven Solar and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Zack is an avid musician.
 

Zachary Grzywacz, No Oil Trains in Baltimore
Zachary is working with CCAN’s Healthy Communities Organizer, Jon Kenney, to protect communities like Baltimore City from the dangers of explosive crude oil trains. Zachary is double majoring in Environmental Science and Biological Sciences and UMD-Baltimore City, and is a member of the school’s Environmental Task Force. Zachary is originally from St. Mary’s County, and is an avid kayaker basketball player.
 
 
 
We at CCAN feel honored, this year as we do every year, to have the opportunity to work alongside such passionate and talented young people as we take on these and other big fights this spring and work to build a bigger movement together. Welcome to the team!

We said we wouldn’t let a blizzard stop us – and you proved us right. Last Saturday, nearly 200 brave plungers turned out at National Harbor to join our 2016 “Keep Winter Cold” Polar Bear Plunge, jumping into the (literally) freezing Potomac River to fight climate change.
We all had a blast and it was all for a very good cause: We’ve raised $81,995 and counting to support our work to move DC, Maryland, and Virginia off of dirty fossil fuels and to clean energy solutions. That’s pretty impressive – especially given the hiccup in our plans thanks to “Snowzilla.” For the first time in the history of CCAN’s Plunge, we were forced to postpone by a week due to extreme weather.
You can still help us reach our goal of raising $90,000. Go to www.keepwintercold.org and donate to your favorite plunger!
Without further ado, here are some of my favorite highlights from the day – check out more photos here:
1. The costumes!! There were some creative get-ups, but one of my favorites was from Lori Hill (veteran plunger and green living expert), who dressed up like an oil slick.

2. We had some amazing “plungers” address the crowd – including a heartfelt tribute to a fallen plunger and inspiring words from 13-year-old Audrey, who used this year’s plunge as her mitzvah project for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah.

3. We had to break through the ice AGAIN. For the second time in the Polar Bear Plunge’s history, CCAN staff donned wetsuits to break through a layer of ice on the Potomac so we could take our dip. Thanks Jon and Brooke!

We thank all of our plungers for your energy, your activism, your fundraising and your bravery. Your fundraising will provide a critical boost to our work – it’s nearly the equivalent of funding two full-time CCAN organizers!

Big thank you to our sponsors and prize donations for the plunge: MLJ Event Management, Perfect Settings, Zeke’s Coffee, Waste Neutral, Baklava Couture, Blue Planet Scuba, Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar, The North Face, Port City Brewery, Patagonia, The Pub and the People, Commissary, the pig, Redstone American Grill.
Don’t miss out on the ice-cold fun next time around – please mark your calendars for next January’s plunge!
Warmly (now) –

Kirsten

 
As president of the Westport Neighborhood Association, Keisha Allen is a leader in fighting for environmental justice in her community. Westport is located on the southern end of Baltimore, right next to rail lines frequently used by oil trains and bordering the Patapsco River.
Keisha first got involved after a presentation was made on the risks of oil trains at her local community meeting. Afterwards, she did more research online. She saw a picture of Lac-Megantic, noticed how similar it looked to Westport, and decided to get involved with our campaign.
She is planning to attend CCAN’s oil train town hall meeting in Baltimore on February 11th, at 7pm.
The Westport Neighborhood Association meets on the first Thursday of every month at the Westport Homes Boys & Girls Club Rec. Center, 2343 Norfolk St., Baltimore, MD 21230.
Your name: Keisha Allen
Your age: 40
Where you live: Baltimore, Maryland
Your profession: Medical Billing & Systems Trainer for a large hospital system in central Maryland
What are the impacts of climate change that hit closest to home for you?
Flooding. Westport is a community in the southern end of Baltimore City that is surrounded by the Middle Branch and the Gwynns Falls River. The risk is so great that two years ago, the University of Maryland took notice to several communities in my area and interviewed us for flooding preparedness. No one had ever warned us and we thought we lived far enough away from the water to not be at risk. None of us were ready.
Why did you decide to get involved in taking action on climate?
Our community has a lot of environmental stresses, such as poor air quality, homes with lead, and contaminated grounds due to chemical and industrial factories that did not operate using clean energy. I’ve learned that the number one cause of death in my community and others that surround it is asthma. We hope to reduce these stresses by continuing to work with organizations such as CCAN and our Health Department.
What has inspired you most working with CCAN and/or in your community?
CCAN has knowledge and expertise with environmental matters that my neighbors and I cannot cover alone — keeping us up to date with local environmental issues and canvassing our community to reach neighbors who cannot attend meetings.
What do you hope to see happen in the next year to address the impacts of oil trains in Baltimore?
I want to see clear and easy to read warning signs on DOT-111 oil trains and at rail crossings. I want to see the City of Baltimore acknowledge, develop, and implement an emergency preparedness plan in partnership with city residents and businesses that fall within the “blast zones.” We want to be proactive rather than react after a small or major incident. Ultimately, DOT-111 oil trains should and must be directed through areas where people are not within a few hundred feet.
What do you like to do when you’re not advocating in your community?
Spend time with friends and family. Travel.
Who would you high five?
Each of my neighbors who work hard to make our community a cleaner, safer, and healthier place to live.

Dear CCANers,
When it comes to the weather, how many times do you hear this phrase: “Wow, I never saw that before”?
Sixty-five degrees and people in flip flops on Christmas Eve? “Never saw that before.” Over two feet of snow from a single storm across much of the DC region? “Never saw that before.” And international data now showing 2015 shattered the global record for average temperature by a HUGE margin: “Never saw that before.”
At CCAN, we look around at the weather and we get even more motivated. Our goal is to get people talking about our activist campaigns the same way they talk about the weather.
A bipartisan state bill in Virginia, with strong Republican patronage, to cap carbon pollution while protecting Norfolk from sea-level rise? “Never saw that before.” Two major climate bills in Maryland – one mandating huge CO2 cuts statewide and another mandating big wind and solar gains – both potentially passed in the same legislative session? “Never saw that before.”
How about DC? We are working toward a new carbon tax campaign that would dramatically reduce emissions while increasing – increasing! – the incomes of lower- and middle-class residents in the nation’s capital? “Never saw that before.”
Yes, all of these campaigns are moving forward across our region. In Virginia: The Virginia Coastal Protection Act. In Maryland: The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act and the Clean Energy Jobs Act. In DC: A nation-leading price on pollution.
We specialize in giving concerned citizens like you a voice in the great climate movement of our time. Wherever you live across this great region, we need your help. What kind of help? Check out this 90-second video CCAN just produced in Virginia. It gives common citizens an uncommonly strong voice.
So next time the weather makes you say it – “I never saw that before” – remember there’s momentum and opportunity in your state, right now, to make a difference so big you’ve never, ever seen anything like it before.
Onward,

Mike Tidwell

Time is running out to influence the most important decision that Governor Terry McAuliffe—and he alone—will make on climate change.
Which is why, right now, I want to ask you to watch this amazing new video—and take action. If you love our fragile planet: watch the video. If you love your neighbors in Virginia: watch the video.
The truth is, despite rising seas and extreme weather, mega-polluter Dominion Virginia Power is asking Governor McAuliffe to double down on harmful emissions—and let the company INCREASE total climate pollution in Virginia for decades to come. It’s outrageous.
So what can you do? You can do three things right now: Watch the video, sign the petition to Governor McAuliffe, and share it with your friends:

I think the good folks in this video—a student from the Shenandoah Valley, a teacher from Northern Virginia, a retiree from Hampton Roads, and others—explain what’s at stake better than anything I can write.
And their call is one I hope you’ll add your voice to: “Please do the right thing, Governor!” Stop Dominion from making climate change worse.
By this spring, Governor McAuliffe has to decide: Will he let Dominion increase total carbon pollution from power plants, despite the intent of new federal regulations to reduce such pollution? Or will he do the clear-cut RIGHT THING—and implement the Clean Power Plan with real solutions like solar, wind and greater efficiency?
Governor McAuliffe needs to hear — right now — from every Virginian who cares about clean air and a healthy climate. So click here to learn more and take action!

We’re so excited that after the historic blizzard “Jonas,” you’re ready to make our 11th annual Polar Bear Plunge historic as well. Are you ready to run into the Potomac with a beautiful, snowy backdrop? Please read this entire post for important updates!
First, it is ABSOLUTELY possible to hit our $90,000 goal if everyone does the following 2 things before Saturday:

1. Post a final request for donations on social media with a link to your fundraising page;
2. Re-send email requests to everyone you’ve asked so far (you can save time by forwarding the last email you sent with a short note at the top reminding folks that the Plunge is less than 2 days away!)

We have big plans to use those gifts to bring more clean energy to Maryland, fight back against dirty fossil fuel pipelines proposed in Virginia, and put a price on carbon in the District. Thanks in advance for helping ensure we have the funds to do this great work!
Second, don’t forget that everyone who raises at least $100 qualifies for an “I took the plunge” t-shirt and everyone who raises $350 or more will be entered into our free drawing for a slew of awesome prizes from around the region (restaurant gift certificates, Patagonia and The North Face gear, and more). The drawing will be at the after-party in McLoone’s directly following the plunge.
Here’s all the important information for the big day:
1. Waivers: The plunge is a fun, family friendly event, but it’s not completely risk-free. If you completed your registration on CrowdRise, you signed a waiver form. But any plungers under 18 years of age need to have the waiver form signed by a parent or guardian. If you’re bringing a plunger who is under 18, click here to print a waiver for their parent or guardian to sign and bring it with you on Saturday.
2. Arrival time: You and any friends or family members coming along to support you should plan to get to National Harbor no later than 10:15 a.m. All plungers must register at the registration tents (which open at 10 a.m.) before the program starts at 11 a.m., so make sure you get there on time!
3. Attire advice: You should plan to wear old sneakers or sandals that won’t fall off when you go into the water. You will also be less cold if, in addition to a towel, you bring a robe or a blanket to wear immediately before and after you go in the water. We’ll have foot warmers to put in your shoes that you’ll appreciate especially after you’ve come out of the water.
4. Directions: You can find out how to get to National Harbor, including via public transportation (which is possible, but slow), by going here: http://www.nationalharbor.com/directions. Follow the signs for the plunge once you’re off the interstate highway. You can also enter the address for the after-party into navigation devices for driving directions, as it is adjacent to the parking lot:McLoone’s Pier House, 141 National Plaza, National Harbor, Maryland.
5. Parking: There are enough spots for all in the lot by McCloone’s. The first 100 cars will be given a free parking pass. (Otherwise it costs about $5.)

6. Weather: As this is written, the forecast is for a high in the low-mid 40s with some sun and clouds (better than a blizzard!). Be sure to dress warmly for before and after your plunge!  The plunge will happen rain, snow, or shine.
7. Plunge-time: We’ll have group tents for you to use to take off layers or change clothes before we take our dip, so you can dress for warmth for our opening program. Our plan is to have a short program at 11 a.m., head over to the changing tents by11:20 a.m., and to be in and out of the water by 11:45 a.m.
8. Food and hot drinks: Zeke’s Coffee and Baklava Couture are providing their delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and delectable pastries.
9. After-Party: But that’s not all! Afterwards, plan to stay around for an after-party at McLoone’s, a restaurant right next to where we’ll be doing the plunge. We’ll pick raffle winners and you must be present to win! Plus, this is always a fun and great way to meet some wonderful people: all of you! McCloone’s is generously offering use of their restrooms before the Plunge, as well as a 15% discount on their food and drinks for everyone who is wearing an “I Took the Plunge” sticker (available at the registration table).
10. Volunteers: Do you want to volunteer at the plunge? We’d love to have you! Contact Brooke Harper at brooke@chesapeakeclimate.org to sign up to volunteer.

11. Pets: We don’t encourage bringing your dog (there have been skirmishes in the past). If you feel you have to, you must have your dog on a leash at all times.
Questions? Contact Kirsten Collings at Kirsten@chesapeakeclimate.org.
See you Saturday!

It’s official: In the face of possible blizzard conditions, we have decided to postpone the Polar Bear Plunge — to next Saturday, January 30th at National Harbor.
That means we can all stay warm this weekend. And we have one extra week to fundraise — and hit our goal of raising $90,000 to fight climate change! (Plus, a photo of you plunging will look even more impressive against a snowy backdrop.)
Thanks to your outreach, we’re 66 percent of the way to our goal. We have just under $31,000 more to raise to get there, and we know we can do it! We raised $30,000 in the week leading up to last year’s plunge — and that was without a giant snowstorm to set the stage for serious bragging rights.
The keepwintercold.org website is updated with the new date — next Saturday, January 30th — and you can continue using it to recruit sponsors.
Meanwhile, all the logistics for the Plunge will remain the same — just taking place one week later. We’ll be sure to update you next week with all the final details.
Finally, stay safe and warm this weekend, and thank you for your continued dedication to fighting climate change.

2015 is certain to be the hottest year on record. It’s also the year that I’ve felt more hope for the global climate movement than I have in a very long time. And I’m not alone.
In these final 48 hours of 2015, a group of generous CCAN donors has offered to match dollar-for-dollar every gift to CCAN — up to $7,000.
That means your year-end gift can have double the impact for CCAN and the campaigns you care about!
Click here to make a tax-deductible donation right now, and help us meet this challenge.
We have every intention of making 2016 a year for groundbreaking results. For every effort we undertake, we build as big a coalition as possible and never, ever, ever give up. Here’s why giving to CCAN is critical for the planet:

• We win. Your donation will ensure that we keep Maryland in the lead for envelope-pushing state clean energy policies. We have broader support than we’ve ever had heading into the 2016 General Assembly for our priorities to renew our landmark carbon cap bill and expand our clean electricity standard to 25% by 2020.
• We set the bar high. In the District, we’re launching a first-of-its-kind campaign to put a price on carbon in our nation’s capital. This will be a heavy lift, but we can do it with your support.
• We don’t let up. In Virginia, we will doggedly push to pass our bipartisan Virginia Coastal Protection Act in 2016, supported by cities across the commonwealth, faith and civic leaders, and clean energy businesses. We will also continue to work with statewide and local groups to fight Dominion’s aggressive push for hundreds of miles of fracked gas pipeline crisscrossing our land.

We are so thankful for your support — because none of these campaigns will be successful without funds and activism from people like you. We are also thankful for this matching gift opportunity made possible by CCAN board members who are similarly inspired about the progress we can make together.
In these last hours of 2015, please give generously — and double your impact for CCAN and climate solutions!
And, check out this short video to learn more about what your support helped us accomplish in 2015. As you’ll see, we won hard-fought progress in 2015. But we’ve got a LOT of unfinished business for the New Year: