Climate Action Team
Mission
To actively engage at the local, state and national level to encourage policies that reverse the effects of Global Climate Change, build Climate Resiliency and reduce single-use plastics.
Climate Crisis – So Much to Do, So Little Time
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the complexity of mobilizing to meet global crises. But the pandemic is just a rehearsal for the disasters the earth will face due to climate crisis. The Maryland State Legislature has less than 60 DAYS to make a difference.
So much to do, so little time –
In Maryland, rising sea levels are eroding 3000 miles of coastline and flooding over 265,000 acres of low-lying areas. Smith Island is being swallowed by water. Ellicott City was walloped by two historic floods over two years. The pounding surf is eroding the beach at Ocean City. “Sunny day” flooding is inundating downtown Annapolis and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
So much to do, so little time –
In urban areas emissions from fossil fuels are contributing to nationally high rates of asthma, lung disease and cancer. Maryland residents of color and those from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds bear a disproportionate burden of cancer risk from toxins in the air and are more likely to live in proximity to polluting facilities such as compressor stations, landfills, and incinerators.
So much to do, so little time –
Maryland is uniquely situated as a state – particularly vulnerable to climate change and well-positioned to act. We could be a leader in clean energy solutions. Already we have carbon caps, wind and solar initiatives and offshore wind power legislation. But greenhouse emissions from transportation and buildings have not been addressed.
Transportation is the largest source of pollution in Maryland with 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. Electricity contributes 30%. The use of gas, heating oil, and propane in buildings, primarily for space and water heating account for 18%.
So much to do, but we can do this!!
In the next 60 DAYS the Maryland Legislature can pass the Climate Solutions Now Act to set emissions standards, laws for electrifying buildings and vehicles, measures to ensure Environmental Justice, while fueling the new green economy.
Want to help? The Climate Action Team is working everyday of the next 60 DAYS to urge BOLD ACTION in Annapolis. Contacts: BarbaraMatheson@verizon.net RDeutschmann2@gmail.com
2020-2021 Accomplishments
The Climate Action Team was part of a state-wide coalition of environmental groups, forming a powerhouse of over 75,000 citizens.
An amazing 25 bills passed in Maryland Legislature:
Maryland Transit Safety and Investment Electric MTA Buses Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Clean Cars Act Electric Vehicle Recharging Stations Multi-family Electric Vehicle Recharging Stations Residential Incineration Ash Recycling Removal Composting *Tree Planting Low Impact Landscaping Composting HOAs *Net Zero Homes Utility Regulation | Community Choice Energy Removable Energy Portfolio Standards Black Liquor Removal Gas Service Regulation Safety Geothermal Heating and Cooling Net Energy Metering Renewable Energy Portfolio Addition Rural Electric Coops *Clean Energy Innovation/Investment Climate Counsel Act Electric and Gas Supply *Maryland Environmental Service Reform Act *Commission on Environmental Justice |
2023 Goals and Plans
Inspired by 2020 and 2021 achievements and the urgency of the climate crisis, we continue to advocate at the local, state and national levels.
Coalition Building
The Climate Action Team has worked hard to build and work with other groups such as Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Howard County Climate Action and others. This provides a strong political movement of over 75,000 coalition members.
Contact: Richard Deutschmann (rdeutschmann2@gmail.com);
Barb Matheson(barbaramatheson@verizon.net)
If you wish to contact or join the Climate Action Team, please fill out the form below.