With Maryland in the midst of figuring out its energy future, it is up to citizens to voice their opinions about what is best for themselves and the environment of Maryland. Recent strides towards increased nuclear development, especially at the Calvert Cliffs Power Plant near Lusby, MD, not only threaten the health of the Chesapeake Bay, but area residents as well. It is time for Maryland to speak out, and this Earth Day, someone is going to get $500 for doing just that.
Public Citizen, a non-profit consumer advocacy group based in Washington, D.C and the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER) are using the recent book “Carbon-Free and Nuclear-Free; A Roadmap for U.S. Foreign Policy” by IEER President Dr. Arjun Makhijani as the basis for an Earth Day Viral Video Contest. The contest challenges citizens to create a video to be put on YouTube that addresses the concept outlined in Makhijani’s book.
Submitted videos cannot run longer than 3 minutes and group submissions cannot exceed more than 10 people. Every group must register via e-mail and submit their video by April 17th. Those submitting the winning video will receive $500.
The video submissions will be shown the evening of Earth Day, April 22 at St. Mary’s College following a presentation by Arjun Makhijani, author of “Carbon-Free and Nuclear-Free; A Roadmap for U.S. Energy Policy.” After the viewing, the winning submission will be announced and a $500 cash prize will be given to the winner(s). All submissions will be put on YouTube.
Makhijani is president of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research. His book, published in 2007, outlines the plausible transformation of the U.S. to a carbon emissions free society by the year 2050 without the use of nuclear energy. Instead, he emphasizes energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The use of viral sharing has been pivotal in recent environmental and political campaigns and is a hallmark of the future of grassroots organizing. The contest is intended to us this method while exploring viable energy solutions for Maryland and the country as a whole.
For additional information about the Earth Day Viral Video Contest, or to register contact Rachel Roscoe at rroscoe@citizen.org or at (202) 454-5129.
