Photo Credit: CCAN Action Fund | ccanactionfund.org
MD Lawmakers and Advocates Push for 2025 Climate Priorities, Including Legislation to “Make Polluters Pay” for the Growing Costs of Extreme Weather Impacts
ANNAPOLIS, MD – On January 8 at 11 AM, as the Maryland General Assembly opens its 2025 session, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is hosting a rally and press conference at Lawyers Mall to champion critical tax relief and climate protection legislation. The event’s primary focus will be on the Responding to Emergency Needs from Extreme Weather (RENEW) Act, a transformative bill that promises to make large oil companies pay billions in revenue to prepare for and recover from escalating climate impacts — without costing taxpayers a penny.
Momentum for this kind of legislation is growing fast. In July, Vermont became the first state to pass legislation authorizing the state to recover financial damages from fossil fuel companies for the impacts of climate change. And just last month New York adopted similar legislation -- its new “Climate Superfund” holds polluters accountable for damage to the environment and invests those funds back into their communities. Maryland could become the third state in the nation to build on this legislative precedent by passing the RENEW Act.
At this rally, legislators, community advocates, and Maryland residents will show unified support for the RENEW Act and other key climate and clean energy legislation, such as the Better Buildings Act and the Affordable, Abundant Clean Energy Bill.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Maryland Opening Day Rally for Taxpayer Relief and Climate Protection Legislation.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 8, 11:00 AM ET
WHERE: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Adjacent to the Maryland State House at 100 State Circle Annapolis, MD). Watch live here: https://www.facebook.com/CCANActionFund
WHY: To mobilize support for climate legislation priorities in 2025.
WHO: This event is hosted by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund. Speakers will include:
- Maryland State Senator Katie Fry Hester (District 9)
- Maryland State Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo (District 15)
- Maryland State Delegate Adrian A. Boafo (District 23)
- Speaker Pro Tem, Delegate Dana Stein (District 11B)
- Climate-impacted community members
MORE INFORMATION: With President-elect Donald Trump soon to come back into office, local and state legislatures are expected to step up again and take the lead on climate and environmental action. The rally will be a great opportunity for media outlets to get exclusive interviews with key legislators and community advocates and in-depth insights into how these policies will secure a cleaner, more resilient Maryland.
