In an all-day discussion and voting session debating 12 different proposals, members of PJM Interconnection put the most support behind the most protective plan for ratepayers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Voting members at Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM), the organization managing the flow of electricity to 65 million people across 13 states and D.C., met yesterday to debate and vote on different options for how to allocate the soaring energy costs associated with data centers. Of the comprehensive proposals, the solution that received the most stakeholder support is the one that was the best for protecting ratepayers. There was one proposal that received more support, but it was a narrow one focused only on Price Responsive Demand.
The proposal that would fully address the problem posed by 30 gigawatts of data centers seeking to connect to the PJM grid in the coming years was put forward by the Independent Market Monitor. Without any protections, this new data center load could cost the average ratepayer $70 a month. This proposal would not allow data centers to connect to the PJM grid until there is sufficient generation to provide electricity to those facilities. This Bring Your Own Generation (BYOG) approach is broadly supported by stakeholders. Advocates from across the PJM region recently sent a letter to PJM urging support for a Bring Your Own Generation requirement.
“People should not be forced to choose between energy affordability and reliability, said Quentin Scott, Federal Director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “In this instance, the solution that is best for affordability is also best for reliability, and that is why we saw more support for PJM policies that will keep electricity prices low.”
None of the 12 proposals considered by PJM received the necessary support to be declared “passed.” This voting session is meant to inform the final proposal, which will be developed by the PJM Board of Managers in the coming month.
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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC and beyond.
The rate increase comes as many D.C. residents struggle to pay their gas bills ahead of winter.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With one in seven D.C. gas users already behind on their bills, the D.C. Public Service Commission (PSC) yesterday voted in favor of Washington Gas’s 13% gas rate hike that will further raise consumer energy costs ahead of the brutal winter season. The rate increase includes a transfer of $12.5 million from Washington Gas’s $12 billion methane gas pipeline replacement program — one condemned by consumer advocates and environmental groups as costly, ineffective, and unsafe — to base rates, locking in costs for customers for decades. Despite over 10 years of work on this project and repeated increases in gas bills to fund ongoing maintenance, D.C.’s aging gas systems remain leaky and increasingly expensive.
Advocates for consumer rights, public safety, and climate action have repeatedly called for PSC to deny rate increases and require Washington Gas to make improvements. They point out that Washington Gas’s ongoing pipeline overhaul, previously called Project Pipes and then rebranded as District Safe, has actually coincided with a surge in hazardous leaks-rising as much as 25% from 2020 to 2024, according to company data. In one incident in 2024, it took the utility over six hours to respond to a gas odor complaint, further raising alarm over public safety. Meanwhile, the pipeline project continues to run over budget while Washington Gas shareholders see profits rise, and D.C. residents are left to foot the bill. The utility corporation has prioritized revenue generation over safety or affordability, turning public need into private gain while families shoulder the costs.
In response to yesterday’s decision by the D.C. Public Service Commission, Claire Mills, D.C. Campaigns Manager at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, released the following statement:
“The Public Service Commission had a clear choice: protect D.C residents or side with corporate profits. Yesterday, they stood with Washington Gas as the for-profit utility corporation raised gas bills ahead of the brutal winter season and at a time when many households are already struggling to make ends meet. Many D.C. working families simply cannot afford the double-digit increase in average gas bill to almost $100 every month.
“Washington Gas is singularly focused on one thing: keeping its profits flowing. The utility has worked to undermine D.C.’s energy efficiency standards, which save people money, and continues to pass the cost of its gas pipeline replacement program, which has already generated millions of dollars, onto D.C. residents. Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission, responsible for overseeing the utility corporation, has failed in its oversight. With utility regulators asleep at the wheel, it’s time for a legislative solution.
“Every extra dollar funnelled into Washington Gas’s profit is a dollar taken from families who need to heat their homes this winter. D.C. residents deserve energy solutions that keep the lights on, not bills that force them to choose between warmth and groceries.”
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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC and beyond.
Community members rallied with chalk art and chants outside of D.C. Public Service Commission, urging regulators to reject Washington Gas’s costly Project Pipes proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — To urge the D.C. Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject Washington Gas’s latest attempted cash grab of $215 million from customers for its gas pipeline replacement program, a coalition of climate, housing, and interfaith advocates rallied today outside the D.C. Public Service Commission. As part of the rally, community members created colorful chalk art messages, calling on the PSC to prioritize the needs of D.C. residents over corporate interests and halt Washington Gas’s rate hikes and reckless pipeline expansion.
“At a time when D.C. residents are struggling to make ends meet, Washington Gas wants to pour more than $215 million of customer money into tearing up D.C. streets and replacing methane gas pipelines,” said Claire Mills, D.C. Campaigns Manager at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Despite millions spent already, dangerous gas leaks are still rampant across the District. The Public Service Commission now has a choice: it can either side with Washington Gas’s corporate greed or champion everyday D.C. residents by putting an end to reckless, wasteful spending on methane pipelines.”
Washington Gas’s pipeline replacement program, projected to cost ratepayers $12 billion, has failed to eliminate leaks and protect public safety. The utility’s own data shows that gas leak reports have risen as much as 25% from 2020 to 2024, with Washington Gas even taking more than six hours to respond to a gas odor complaint in October 2024. Rally participants called on the Commission to put D.C. families first, rejecting what advocates describe as another corporate cash grab that fuels profit while putting public health and safety at risk.
“Every fraction of a degree of warming that we can avert matters: it is a difference, in orders of magnitude, of countless human and nonhuman lives,” said Hannah, an organizer with Extinction Rebellion DC. With a federal government increasingly intent on sending us over a climate cliff, it is more important than ever to demand action at the local level. The PSC’s decision can make or break whether DC is a city that meets our climate goals. We are in a climate emergency — we simply can’t afford to bail out fossil fuel companies while the rest of us go down with the ship.”
Advocates say Washington Gas’s profit-driven business model incentivizes unnecessary pipeline replacement, piling costs and fees onto customers. Meanwhile, residents are burdened with higher energy bills that could soon skyrocket as the cost of methane gas is expected to nearly double in 2026, according to a recent projection by Morgan Stanley. One in seven D.C. gas users is currently behind on their energy bills as Washington Gas seeks another 12% gas rate hike.
“At a moment when tens of thousands of D.C. residents are behind on their energy bills, the prospect of handing another several hundred million dollars of ratepayers funds to an investor-owned utility to build fossil fuel infrastructure is galling,” said Matt Sehrsweeney, Co-Chair at We Power DC. “D.C. needs utilities that work for and are accountable to the people of D.C. instead of a handful of wealthy investors, and we need a Public Service Commission that actually defends our interests.”
“Gas leaks, under the streets and in our homes,” said Barbara Briggs, Convener at Beyond Gas DC. “There is no question that we are breathing health-harming methane, benzene (which is highly carcinogenic), and other health-harming components of gas every day. We are also breathing in the pollutants created by burning gas, including nitrogen dioxide, which contributes to asthma, COPD, and lung disease, and may affect children’s cognitive development. Our families’ health is one more compelling reason we should accelerate D.C.’s transition off the dangerous and outdated use of gas combustion in our buildings and move to renewable, non-combustion energy sources, which are safer and far healthier.”
The rally also drew attention to Washington Gas’s deceptive tactics to keep customer bills high and lock D.C. residents into expensive, polluting fossil fuels for decades to come. While the utility attacks D.C.’s net-zero building standards, it simultaneously launched a greenwashing marketing campaign that positions itself as a champion of net-zero energy homes. Advocates urge the PSC to halt reckless pipeline expansions, reject the rate hike, and stand up to corporate greed.
“The truth is, fuel-burning is not consistent with healthy homes for DC residents or for doing our part to preserve a livable climate,” says Joelle Novey with Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA). “We’re delighted to be working in Montgomery County with Washington Gas on a pilot neighborhood geothermal project, and we invite them to follow our faith communities’ lead by shifting rapidly to get D.C. neighborhoods, too, to be fully electrified and powered by heat pumps and clean energy.”
Elected officials and labor leaders joined business representatives and environmental advocates calling for fully permitted energy projects to move forward for the sake of all Marylanders.
BALTIMORE, MD – To reaffirm the value of offshore wind for stabilizing energy costs, creating good jobs, and securing Maryland’s energy future, lawmakers and advocates came together today to call for continued clean energy development and local investment. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky, State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, and others spoke to dozens of supporters as part of the Maryland Day of Action for Offshore Wind.
“Investing in offshore wind is key to unlocking good-paying jobs, lowering energy costs, and guaranteeing a cleaner future for Maryland,” said Senator Van Hollen. “As the Trump Administration continues to roll back the clock on our wind energy progress to help his Big Oil financiers and friends, I’ll keep fighting to realize Maryland’s wind energy potential and ensure we stay on course toward a stronger, more sustainable, more affordable future for our state.”
“Offshore wind means good-paying jobs, cleaner air, and a stronger future for Maryland,” said Representative Johnny Olszewski. “Right here in Maryland’s Second Congressional District, projects like Sparrows Point Steel will support over 500 new jobs and thousands more across our state, all while lowering energy costs for working families. Investing in offshore wind isn’t just about energy—it’s about strengthening Maryland’s economy and environment for generations to come.”
“For so many of Maryland’s pressing questions, offshore wind energy is the answer. It benefits both the state’s climate and its economy. Offshore wind energy leads to more jobs for blue-collar workers and well-paying, year-round jobs in parts of the state that need them,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “The bottom line is that offshore wind energy projects will help expand energy production for a state and a regional grid that badly needs more reliable production to meet growing demand—and it will do so in a way that doesn’t compound the climate crisis.”
Today’s event, held at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24 office, underscored strong support for clean energy growth despite the Trump administration’s policies that prop up fossil fuels. Before a backdrop of a large digital “Yes to Wind” display, speakers emphasized widespread support for the continued development of offshore wind in Maryland. For instance, recent polling from June 2025 revealed that 7 in 10 Maryland voters supported the construction of offshore wind projects—across political lines.
“Offshore wind has enabled our Baltimore-based company to open offices in new markets like Rhode Island and New York as we followed the construction of five projects along the East Coast over the last few years,” said Lee Connor, Chairman of John S. Connor, Inc. “Our company has seen firsthand the increased economic activity and job creation because of U.S. offshore wind development, delivering thousands of good-paying jobs and tremendous local investment. Let’s all say, ‘yes to wind’ and to the host of economic and environmental benefits this American industry has already proven it can deliver.”
“1199 SEIU has fought to make life more affordable for working families across the state of Maryland—from fair wages to stable energy bills,” said Ricarra Jones, Political Director of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Offshore wind is a win for both our economy and our health. As healthcare workers, we know that clean energy saves lives. Reducing air pollution means fewer asthma attacks, fewer kids in emergency rooms, and healthier communities across Maryland. Offshore wind is the prescription our state needs for a cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable energy future.”
The Maryland Day of Action marked the first in a nationwide series of “Yes to Wind” events taking place across a dozen states this fall. Each event highlights growing momentum for offshore wind as a practical, homegrown energy solution that reduces carbon pollution while revitalizing local economies and stabilizing energy prices.
In Maryland, a broad coalition including the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, IBEW Local 24, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, Ironworkers Local 5, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, USW District 8, Shore Progress, BlueGreen Alliance, MAAREC Action, IUPAT District Council 51, Offshore Wind Alliance, and Oceantic Network, united around a shared message: Offshore wind is critical to building a resilient, affordable and American clean energy future for all.
“Offshore wind is an investment in reliable, affordable, homegrown energy for Maryland. Building offshore wind is critical to meet the expected growth in energy use due to data centers,” said State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian. “Moving these projects forward is crucial to help stabilize rising energy bills, diversify our energy supply, and build a more resilient, clean, and abundant energy future for our state.”
“Offshore wind will provide job opportunities for the members of IBEW Local 24,” said Michael McHale, Business Manager, IBEW Local 24. “We will put our skills to work in the supply chain, building manufacturing facilities, onshore helping to build maintenance and marshalling infrastructure, and offshore performing the electrical work on the turbines, cabling, and maritime substations.”
Watch the full-length video of the press conference HERE.
The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue is the first book to tell the story of global warming from the perspective of one American street.
From mysteriously dying trees to people sick with Lyme disease to neighborhood activists fighting back, this unexpectedly dramatic story has received stellar reviews from The Washington Post and critics nationwide, including — now — Publishers Weekly top 25 pick for nonfiction
TAKOMA PARK, MD – Publishers Weekly magazine has just named The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue to its list of top 25 nonfiction works of 2025. Calling this first-of-its-kind story of climate change impacts on one American street “a powerful portrait of a community,” the magazine says author Mike Tidwell sheds “light on how warming temperatures affect everything from wildlife to people’s health and their perception of the future.”
If you’re looking for a truly original climate change interview, Tidwell’s story of how extreme weather plays out on his one block over a 12-month period in 2023 is truly mind-blowing. He writes of record floods and spreading Lyme disease and hotter temperatures on his DC-area street, but also of growing solar energy and the Hindu gas station owner who switches entirely from pumping gas to fast-charging electric cars. The book also explores the controversial issue of geoengineering as a possible Plan B to cool the planet as severe climate impacts spread across every square foot of America and the world.
Tidwell is the author of seven nonfiction books. His essays have appeared in many publications, including The Washington Post, Reader’s Digest, National Geographic Traveler, and more. He is a former National Endowment for the Arts fellow for creative nonfiction. He is also the founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.
Visit Tidwell’s website here and St. Martin’s press page here. Contact Mike for print, radio or TV interviews. He is close to studios in Washington, D.C. and available for Zoom conversations.
Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Advocates urge strengthening, not eroding, FEMA disaster relief programs as climate disasters escalate and federal aid hangs in the balance.
RICHMOND, VA – Richmond city councilmembers and climate organizations held a press conference today to urge Governor Glenn Youngkin to use his seat on the FEMA Review Council to strengthen the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), not dismantle it. This effort comes amid alarming signs that FEMA is losing key staff, combined with significant disaster funding cuts, which are severely weakening the agency’s capacity to respond to disasters. The Trump Administration’s plan to shift disaster relief costs to states risks imposing significant financial burdens on Virginia residents and taxpayers.
“Our communities depend on FEMA to be a reliable partner when disaster strikes,” said Richmond City Councilmember Stephanie Lynch. “Strengthening FEMA isn’t about politics — it’s about making sure every Virginian has the support they need to recover, rebuild, and become more resilient in the face of a changing climate.”
“Americans must be able to count on their federal government for aid in times of crisis, and to be partners in preventing their severity,” said Richmond City Councilmember Katherine Jordan. “Emergency management and prevention are bedrock responsibilities of government. I join Virginians from across the Commonwealth asking our Governor to ensure we have the strongest FEMA possible – both in ability to respond to disasters – and through equipping communities with critical dollars to prevent or mitigate events before they happen.”
“When federal support is ripped away, local governments are left holding the bag, and the overwhelming burden almost always falls on the people who can least afford it. But, Governor Younkin can change that,” said Kim Sudderth, Hampton Roads Environmental Justice Advocate.
Speakers highlighted the growing risks that extreme weather disasters pose to Virginia and how dismantling FEMA would jeopardize critical disaster relief as climate disasters grow in frequency and severity. Following the press conference, advocates delivered a petition signed by hundreds of Virginians demanding action to protect federal disaster programs.
“The climate crisis isn’t a far-off, distant future; it is our new reality that Virginians are experiencing through unprecedented extreme weather that overwhelms our critical infrastructure,” said Gabby Walton, Federal Campaigns Associate for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Our local disaster response depends on FEMA’s support, and the federal government’s moves to suspend critical FEMA staff and funding is unacceptable. As the FEMA Review Council considers overhauling and possibly dismantling FEMA altogether this hurricane season, I urge Governor Youngkin to use his influence to improve the agency, not dissolve it.”
“Our elected leaders should not be playing politics when it comes to disaster recovery; they shouldn’t pick winners or losers after a devastating flood, hurricane, wildfire, or other natural disaster,” said Catherine Setaro, Hampton Roads Field Manager at Virginia League of Conservation Voters. “Governor Youngkin needs to use his official capacity on FEMA’s Review Council to strengthen this agency while he has the chance.”
Recent proposals from the Trump administration and members of the FEMA Review Council risk dismantling FEMA and cutting disaster relief funding. Since January, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and 20 supporting Virginia-based organizations have highlighted the life-saving importance of federal disaster aid by submitting an organizational letter to Governor Youngkin. Virginia’s reliance on FEMA for recovery in major storms highlights the potential dangers if federal support is eliminated.
Watch the live stream recording on our Instagram account HERE.
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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC and beyond.
CHESTERFIELD, VA — Community members, local leaders and advocates testified at the final Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) public hearing yesterday to oppose Dominion Energy’s proposed $8 billion gas plant in Chesterfield County. Speakers highlighted the project’s potential to raise electric bills, pollute local air and lock Virginia into decades of reliance on fossil fuels, primarily to power the growing data center industry.
The hearing drew residents, environmental advocates and legislators united in opposition, emphasizing that Virginians are already facing an energy affordability crisis while Dominion seeks to expand fossil fuel infrastructure and give multi-million dollar pay increases to its CEO.
“This project is about Dominion Energy expanding its profits, not serving the people of Virginia,” said Nicole Martin, president of the Chesterfield County NAACP. “Families across the Commonwealth are struggling to pay their bills. We cannot allow a new gas plant to make the problem worse while polluting our air and harming the health of our communities.”
The No New Gas Plants coalition reiterated its call for Virginia to invest in cleaner, more affordable energy solutions, rather than expensive new fossil fuel infrastructure. Coalition members also stressed that Virginians deserve transparency, accountability and a voice in decisions that affect their health, environment and cost of living.
Members of the public can still submit comments on the DEQ air pollution permit here until 11:59 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
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Photos and video will be made available for use here licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0, attributable to the No New Gas Plants Coalition. To view a copy of this license, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/.If these licensing terms pose a barrier to your publication, please contact media@nogasplant.org.
The No New Gas Plants Coalition is a statewide alliance of grassroots organizations, community leaders, environmental advocates and policy experts working to stop the expansion of costly and polluting energy infrastructure in Virginia. Formed in response to Dominion Energy’s plans to build up to six new gas-fired power plants, the coalition is united by a vision of an affordable and clean energy future. Together, we advocate for the health and voices of Virginia communities most impacted by pollution and rising energy costs.
The Coalition includes Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, Appalachian Voices, immigrant advocacy organization CASA, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Chesterfield County NAACP, Clean Virginia, Friends of Chesterfield, Mothers Out Front, New Virginia Majority, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Southern Environmental Law Center, Sunrise UVA, Virginia Conservation Network, and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light.
Local families, advocates, and community leaders showcase solar as the cheapest, most reliable energy source for the Commonwealth
Richmond, VA — From Richmond to Vienna to Leesburg, Virginians turned out in force this weekend to celebrate the first-ever International “Sun Day,” joining hundreds of communities nationwide in uplifting solar energy as the clean, affordable power of the future. More than 300 celebrations were organized across all 50 states, with nine events in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region sponsored or co-sponsored by Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) and a broad coalition of clean energy allies.
In Richmond, dozens gathered at “Sun Day: A Day for Peace and the Planet,” co-hosted by CCAN, Third Act-RVA, the Richmond Peace Education Center, and the University of Richmond. The family-friendly event featured live music, art, climate education, and a call to accelerate solar energy deployment across Virginia.
In Vienna, community members celebrated the electrification of school buses at Louise Archer Elementary before touring a newly built PHIUS-certified net-zero home. Participants marveled at how energy-efficient features improve comfort, cut bills, and create healthier indoor environments. Throughout the day, large community banners declaring “Celebrate Solar” were displayed across town, uplifting solar as cleaner, cheaper, safer, and unlimited.
“For decades, we’ve called this stuff ‘alternative energy.’ We want to drive home the point that that’s not true anymore. This is the straightforward, common-sense, obvious way to power our future, the cheapest way to drive down electric prices, the easiest way to build a working America,” said Bill McKibben, co-founder of Third Act – the group that is the the driving force behind Sun Day – as well as a pioneering environmental author, who has been instrumental in bringing global attention to climate change and the potential of renewable energy.
In Leesburg, visitors toured a home powered entirely by solar, where residents showcased how households can thrive on renewable energy without relying on polluting fossil fuels. The event offered a firsthand look at Virginia’s energy future while engaging families in conversations about transitioning toward 100% clean power.
“Every day, the sun provides more energy than humanity could use in a year. It’s time we center our future around that gift,” said Ting Waymouth, Northern Virginia Organizer, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). “These events made clear that Virginians understand the urgency of the clean energy transition, and are ready to lead with solutions that protect families, lower bills, and safeguard our planet.”
These events are part of the DMV region’s participation in International Sun Day, a weekend of actions across the U.S. and the world, organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Third Act, Fossil Free Media, and others, as well as CCAN. More than 300 events are planned in all 50 states, with CCAN sponsoring or co-sponsoring 9 across the DMV region.
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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and beyond.
Community festivals highlight solar energy’s role in an affordable, sustainable future, featuring children’s activities, live performances, and conversations about Maryland’s clean energy leadership.
TAKOMA PARK, MD — Sunshine, live music, and the power of community brought hundreds of residents together in Takoma Park and Baltimore this past weekend for “Maryland Sun Day” celebrations, part of a global movement calling for the large-scale deployment of solar energy that is cheap, reliable, and ready to go. Residents of all ages are invited to enjoy music, art projects, kids’ programming, and hands-on educational activities while connecting with local leaders to send a clear message: we have the tools to power our communities with clean energy and overwhelming public support to do it.
In Takoma Park, families, neighbors, and local legislators gathered at the Takoma Urban Park Gazebo to enjoy an afternoon of music and community activities. Local musician Teresa Jiménez headlined the family-friendly concert, while kids participated in sun-inspired projects and interactive learning stations highlighting the promise of solar power. The event showcased the city’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and clean energy leadership in Maryland.
“Solar energy projects are the cheapest and quickest to build energy projects on the planet,” said Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, MD District 20. “We can lower bills, stabilize the climate, and create family-sustaining jobs by creating market certainty for solar energy of all types — residential, community solar, and utility scale.”
Other speakers at the event included Maryland State Senator William C. Smith, Jr. (District 20, Montgomery County), Delegate David H. Moon (District 20, Montgomery County), and Bryan Bomer, Sustainability, Energy, and Mechanical Manager, Montgomery County.
In Baltimore, families gathered for an afternoon of children’s crafts, food trucks, and solar education programming. Attendees enjoyed music performances from Tavair Dominique, Buzz Merrick, and Dan and Claudia Zanes, reinforcing the joy and creativity at the heart of Maryland’s transition to renewable energy.
“Takoma Park and Baltimore came together this weekend to show what solar power really means: healthier communities, affordable energy, and a brighter future for our kids,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland Director for Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Maryland has the chance to lead the nation in clean energy, and these celebrations prove residents are ready and eager to see it happen.”
Both events were part of the DMV region’s participation in International Sun Day, a weekend of “Sun Day” actions across America and around the world – organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Third Act, Fossil Free Media, and others, as well as CCAN. More than 300 events were planned across all 50 states. In the DMV region alone, CCAN sponsored or co-sponsored 9 events.
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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and beyond.
Senator Ed Markey (MA) addresses a Sun Day weekend rally on the National Mall.
Parade and press conference bring together legislators and activists to launch a weekend of over 300 events across 50 states with the goal of promoting cheap, reliable solar energy. CCAN sponsors 9 events in the DMV region.
WASHINGTON, DC — The first-ever electric vehicle (EV) parade near the U.S. Capitol was held today to kick off a historic campaign for greater solar energy deployment worldwide. This initial “Sun Day” weekend celebration featured dozens of electric cars, bikes, and scooters decorated with pro-solar messages, circling on the National Mall. Just prior to the EV parade’s arrival, Congressional and state legislators joined clean energy and climate activists at a press conference to call for broader use of clean energy and a faster transition away from fossil fuels.
At the press conference, a historic solar hot water panel, originally installed on the White House roof by President Jimmy Carter over 45 years ago and still operational, was displayed as a symbol of America’s enduring potential for clean energy leadership. View the full array of inspiring events nationwide on the Third Act “Sun Day” webpage.
“Solar and wind are the most affordable sources of electricity in our country,” said U.S Senator Ed Markey (MA). “Last year 94 percent of all new electrical generation installed in the United States was wind and solar and battery storage technologies. That’s what builds the fear into the coal and natural gas industry’s heart, they can see it coming. Because if it’s 94 percent then 95 percent, year after year, we have replaced the dependence which we’ve had upon coal and natural gas. So that’s our job. Last year 50,000 new megawatts of solar was installed in the United States. In 2009 we had a cumulative total of 2,000 megawatts…. We’re coming out on Sun Day, we’re letting everyone know that if they are not going away, we’re not going away. We’re on the right side of history.”
“As Virginia and the entire country are facing increasing energy demand, solar is one of the cheapest and quickest ways to develop energy generation to meet this coming demand,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan, 6th District, Virginia House of Delegates. “Outside of just providing energy, these projects help families and communities by providing a critical source of income while also supporting local schools, emergency response programs, and much more through the revenue to localities. There is no doubt that the path to affordable and reliable energy depends on the continued development and installation of solar.”
“Solar power isn’t just a clean energy issue,” said Laurie Welch, a leader with the volunteer group Third Act Maryland. “It’s a housing affordability issue. Rooftop and community solar lower utility bills, which means residents have more money to cover their rent or mortgage. As our founder, Bill McKibben, says, ‘Renewables are no longer an ‘alternative’ energy – not Whole Foods. Renewables are now the Costco of energy – cheap, available, and ready to go!’”
“Solar is the cheapest and fastest-to-build source of new power, with enormous potential to cut energy bills, create jobs, and help us tackle the climate crisis,” said Charles Harper, Power Sector Senior Policy Lead at Evergreen Action. “Fossil fuel interests know that the promise of solar and other clean energy technologies threatens their bottom line, so they’ve tried to shut it down at every turn. But the momentum is too great, and we won’t let them. This first Sun Day is about celebrating how far we’ve come — and building the people power we need to push our leaders to deliver even more clean energy now.”
“Solar power is not new to America; 45 years ago, President Jimmy Carter installed solar hot water panels on the White House roof,” said Mike Tidwell, executive director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). “One of those panels is here today, and it’s still operational. Think about that, a panel built almost 50 years ago is still able to harness free power from the most abundant resource in our solar system, whereas fossil fuels require endless costly searches for a new supply and pollute our air every time they are burned. Today’s solar systems can provide the cheapest and cleanest energy for your homes and businesses for decades to come. It’s long overdue for solar panels to become the new symbol of America’s clean energy leadership.”
This EV parade and rally in D.C. kicked off a weekend of “Sun Day” actions across America and worldwide – organized by a broad coalition of groups, including Third Act, Fossil Free Media, and others, as well as CCAN. More than 300 events are planned across all 50 states, starting this weekend and extending into October.
In the DMV region, CCAN is sponsoring or co-sponsoring 9 events, ranging from a Sun Day For Peace & The Planet in Virginia to a tour of solar-powered homes across the District. Most activities will culminate on Sunday, September 21, the autumnal equinox, declared International Sun Day. For information about CCAN’s Sun Day events, visit our website.
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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and beyond.
