On behalf of its 80,000 supporters across the region, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network today named Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley as recipient of its highest annual prize. The “Maryland Climate Leadership Award” is presented to the Governor for his critical leadership in helping to pass the historic Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act in Maryland earlier this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2009

Governor Martin O’Malley Receives Prestigious “Climate Leadership Award” from the Chesapeake Climate Action Network

BALTIMORE, MD-On behalf of its 80,000 supporters across the region, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network today named Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley as recipient of its highest annual prize. The “Maryland Climate Leadership Award” is presented to the Governor for his critical leadership in helping to pass the historic Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act in Maryland earlier this year.

“I’m humbled by this recognition, and recognize that one person’s actions toward a healthier, more sustainable environment – while helpful – would not be nearly as impactful as the actions of a group of caring and committed individuals fighting for the future of our planet,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “In many ways, the challenge of global warming represents one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. I am honored to have served alongside those courageous advocates who work on the grassroots level, and who give meaning to what we do as public servants.”

CCAN also announced climate leadership awards today for student activists, community leaders, and a leading Maryland environmental foundation.

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Act — SB 278/HB 315 — mandates the strongest economy-wide reduction in global warming pollution of any climate bill in the country. The law requires the state to cut greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 2006 levels by 2020 and directs the Maryland Department of the Environment to craft a plan and a timeline to achieve that goal. With this bill, Maryland joined six other states in enacting a legally binding goal for emissions reductions.

“In signing the bill in May 2009, Governor O’Malley culminated years of sustained effort from citizens, business leaders, environmental groups, and religious and health organizations,” said Mike Tidwell, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “With global warming accelerating, it’s more important than ever to recognize true global warming champions like Governor O’Malley.”

The Maryland Department of the Environment anticipates that the transition to a low carbon economy will provide a $2 billion boost to the state through energy efficiency, conservation and new green jobs by 2020. A study by the International Center for Sustainable Development estimated the state’s plan would create up to 326,000 jobs over the next 20 years. The bill went into effect October 1, 2009.

Dr. Donald Boesch, President of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), and Keith Campbell, founder of the Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, also received “Maryland Climate Leadership Awards” from CCAN today. Dr. Boesch was a key leader of the Governor’s Commission on Climate Change and helped craft the Maryland Climate Action Plan, which became the basis for the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act. The Campbell Foundation is a distinguished leader in supporting environmental sustainability causes across Maryland.

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network also presented “Certificates of Excellence” to the Maryland Student Climate Coalition and the Baltimore Climate Action Network for their outstanding work to curb global warming in Maryland at a grassroots level.

CCAN’s “Maryland Climate Leadership Award” is presented annually to individuals and organizations in Maryland who have exhibited exceptional leadership in fighting global warming through clean, efficient energy. Prior recipients of this award include U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Maryland State Senator Paul Pinsky, Maryland House Majority Leader Kumar Barve, and the Town Creek Foundation.

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the oldest and largest grassroots organization in Maryland dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. For nearly a decade, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland. Working with partners across the state, CCAN has played a central role in Maryland’s adoption of such policies as the Renewable Electricity Standard (2004), the Healthy Air Act (2006), the Clean Cars Act (2007), and the historic Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act (2009).

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Award recipients, including the governor, will accept their awards at a ceremony tonight at the Maryland Institute College of Art, hosted by: Arthur Milholland and Luann Mostello | Jeff Blankman | Eric Schaeffer, Environmental Integrity Project | Stephen Bickel | Ted Rouse | Joe Adams, M.D. | Harry Benson, EverPower Wind Holdings Inc. | Pat Fulton | Gary Skulnik, Clean Currents | Lise Van Susteren, M.D. | Lori Hill, lori hill event productions, inc. | Tony Clifford, Standard Solar | Cindy Parker, M.D., Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility | Patrick Thompson, EnergyWorks | Francis X. Smyth, Century Engineering, Inc. | George Long, Power Up | Rev. Dr. Terence Ellen | TerraLogos Energy Group | Richard Deutschmann, groSolar | Dr. Robert R. and Zohara M. Hieronimus, 21st Century Radio