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Dear Maryland,
Summer 2019 is here! Read on for some important news on climate action, dangerous fracked gas pipelines, opportunities to move MD beyond coal, and upcoming outings!
MDE Presents on Climate Action Plan but Doesn’t Disclose Full Details to Public
 On 6/20, The Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC) hosted a meeting where Governor Hogan’s Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) presented an overview of its draft Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Plan (GGRA) but did not release the draft itself. The release of the draft plan is already six months overdue. Read our press release here.
Tell the Maryland Climate Commission: 495 and 270 Expansion Threatens Our Climate
 Adding 4 lanes to I-495 and I-270 would increase the number of vehicles on or roadways that emit climate pollution. Write to the Maryland Climate Commission at climate.change@maryland.gov. Tell them they must rigorously scrutinize the highway plan for its impacts on Maryland's climate action plan.
Beyond Coal Statewide Call 7pm Monday July 10
Discuss and strategize around our coal community transition campaign on our MD Beyond Coal campaign's monthly call. Get updates on events and volunteer - led activities and opportunities to get involved, with time for Q&A and to hear your ideas. Info & RSVP
Closure of 130-Year-Old Luke Mill Plant Devastating to Workers and Region
 At the end of April, Verso Corporation suddenly announced that it will end all paper production at its Luke Mill paper plant. The sudden announcement was not fair to the workers and community impacted and we need to support and better protect our workers, families, and communities. Read more here
Potomac Pipeline Battle Continues
 On 6/18/19, 62 Maryland legislatorsreleased a letter publicly opposing Columbia Gas’ attempt to seize through eminent domain the MD State publicly owned right-of-way to build a highly controversial fracked-gas pipeline underneath the Western Maryland Rail/Trail. They also declared their support for the Department of Natural Resources’ defense against this lawsuit. Details & full coalition statement here.
It’s Summer - Time to be on the Lookout for Bad Air Quality Days
 We’ve seen progress on air quality in the state but 88% of Marylanders live in Counties that are not meeting Clear Air Act standards for smog pollution. Smog is formed when pollution from coal plants and tailpipes mix with heat and sunlight so it is more prevalent during hot summer days, Sign up for air quality alerts to be the first to know if it’s a Code Orange or Red day in Maryland so you can better protect your lungs!
MD PAC Treasurer Opening
 Step up to Leadership as the new Maryland Chapter Political Action Committee Treasurer. If you are a meticulous person who would like to fill a key role to elect environmentally friendly candidates to public office, we need someone like you to keep us on the right side of political financing rules and reporting. Please contact Brian.Ditzler@mdsierra.org if interested!
Call for Sierra Club Jamboree Committee Co-Chairs
 Every two years the Maryland Chapter Sierra Club hosts a very special weekend event, where more than 100 leaders, staff, and members with their families come together to forge our shared vision for protecting the Earth, celebrate our accomplishments, participate in workshops, strategize future environmental actions, and have fun together on hikes and social activities. The Jamboree 2019 will be held October 11th -13th weekend at Shepherds Spring Retreat Center INFO & RSVP . What we need now is for two Jamboree co-chairs to step up to convene and work with the Jamboree Committee.
MD Political Chair Opening
 Have a strong interest in politics? We need people in office who will fight for the planet! The Political Chair oversees the MD Chapter's endorsement process for state, local, and Congressional candidates, works with our local Group Political Chairs to prioritize campaigns, raises money for political action, and supervises our PAC Treasurer on finance rules and regulations. It's a rewarding job, especially when we succeed on getting our candidates into office! Contact: Josh.Tulkin@mdsierra.orgor Brian.Ditzler@mdsierra.org |
