November 24, 2015
Posted for Doreen Paster
Legislative Chair, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter Chapter
Legislative Chair, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter Chapter
The Maryland Sierra Club is thrilled to share our 2016 legislative priorities, and to ask for your help in achieving them! In January, our state legislature will come together for 90 days to vote on critical issues like education, the budget, and of course, the environment. And we will be there to greet them on day one - and every day after - to lobby, rally, educate and inspire them to protect Maryland's environment, from the Atlantic coastline to the Chesapeake Bay, from urban environments like Baltimore and elsewhere, to the farmlands of the Eastern Shore and mountains of Western MD.
This year, we are focusing on a set of legislative initiatives to address some of the most critical environmental issues facing Maryland. Read about our Legislative goals for 2016: Then take the survey to sign up for our legislative team.
2016 Legislative Priorities
1. Combat climate change:
- Renew and strengthen Maryland's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act (GGRA)
- Increase Maryland's renewable energy goal to 25% by 2020, and increase the amount set aside for solar energy
- Reserve our renewable energy incentives for clean energy only - and close the dirty energy loophole which incentivizes incineration and clogs clean energy growth
2. Protect our pollinators:
- Restrict the use of neonicotinoid pesticides which harm honeybees, butterflies, and more, and label plants grown with them
3. Keep antibiotics effective and reduce antibiotic resistance:
- Stop the inappropriate use of human antibiotics in farm animals
4. Increase recycling:
- Institute redeemable deposits on beverage containers to increase bottle recycling and clean up our land and waterways
The Sierra Club staff provides a strong and effective presence in Annapolis throughout the session, but the real strength of the Sierra Club lies in our passionate and engaged members. I hope we can count on you to send an email or make a phone call when we let you know about a crucial decision point - these actions can help us win in Annapolis this year. And to do even more, join our Legislative Team and see your passion made into policy. The legislative session is an exciting and fast-paced time, and there are many ways to get involved. Expertise on a particular issue is helpful, but the only real requirements are some time, enthusiasm, and a desire to contribute. We're already preparing for the session, so now is a great time to join in.
I'll send periodic updates through the end of the legislative session, so stay tuned for opportunities to make your voice heard in support of the environment! And to have an even greater impact, I hope you'll decide to help out with the Legislative Team this year. If you'd like more information on how you can participate, please click here or email Legislation@MDSierra.org. Thanks for everything you do.