Chesapeake Currents | Summer 2012
chesapeake currents
summer 2012 edition
Protecting Maryland’s Water
We won! Governor Martin O’Malley’s signing of the Watershed Protection
and Restoration Act culminated years of efforts by Clean Water Action
and allies. This Act will support water quality protections for urban
and suburban streams and rivers statewide and strengthens Maryland’s
commitments to Chesapeake Bay restoration. The measure will cut
pollution from streets and parking lots and provides incentives for
reducing impervious paved areas which are a major pollution source. Read more
from the director
This October the Clean Water Act turns 40. Clean Water Action will also celebrate its 40th.
The 1972 law was passed to clean up our lakes, rivers, streams, oceans and bays and to make all other of our nation’s waters swimmable and fishable — including, of course, the Chesapeake Bay.
Our organization got its start as the “Fisherman’s Clean Water Action Project.” We were central to building the national movement that won the Clean Water Act’s passage. From the beginning, we used grassroots organizing to mobilize the public and build the power to persuade public officials to vote for clean water on behalf of their constituents.
Protecting Maryland’s Health
State lawmakers also tackled the issue of drilling and fracking for natural gas, establishing critical protections for residents and property owners in western Maryland. By voting to create a “presumptive impact area” around shale gas wells, the legislature makes it easier to take action against water supply contamination from gas exploration or production.
State lawmakers also tackled the issue of drilling and fracking for natural gas, establishing critical protections for residents and property owners in western Maryland. By voting to create a “presumptive impact area” around shale gas wells, the legislature makes it easier to take action against water supply contamination from gas exploration or production.
DC to Fund Toxics Cleanup Study
Washington, DC’s City Council approved $1.5 million in the 2012 budget
for a study that will lead to cleanup of toxic sites around the
Anacostia River. The assessment of the extent of contamination and the
scope and costs of fixing the problems will make the actual cleanup more
efficient. Clean Water Action will press for “polluter pays” solutions
that hold the responsible parties accountable wherever possible, though
these toxic sites are the legacy of decades of pollution. Clean Water
Action will also work to make sure those residents whose neighborhoods
are most affected have a say in cleanup decisions.
Plastic Bag Ban?
Clean Water Action has joined the fight to reduce plastic bag pollution
in Delaware. A recent letter signed by Clean Water Action and allies
calls for a statewide ban on non-compostable plastic bags distributed to
customers by retail stores.
Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell may have surprised the uranium industry and their allies by announcing that he would not seek the lifting of the decades-long ban on uranium mining during the 2012 Virginia legislative session. But the Governor also had his staff work on regulations that might apply if the ban was lifted. This action means an Administration-based effort to remove the ban is likely in 2013.
Once again, a majority of U.S. House Members voted against clean water and in favor of the polluters.
On June 1, a clean water amendment offered by Northern Virginia’s U.S. Representative Jim Moran (D-8) and supported by Clean Water Action failed 152-237.
The amendment would have allowed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with long-delayed plans to restore critical protections for streams and wetlands which have been lost or weakened in recent years. Clean Water Action strongly supports these agency actions. Drinking water sources for more than 117 million Americans remain at risk until EPA and the Corps can act.
Read more
How It Works:
Sungevity puts solar panels on your home for nomoney down. You pay a monthly lease rate—usually the same or less than your old electric bill. Best of all, you’ll get $750 for signing up, and we’ll get the same amount for Clean Water.
Ready to Go Solar? Visit this page to request your free iQuote and learn how much you could save.
Sungevity puts solar panels on your home for nomoney down. You pay a monthly lease rate—usually the same or less than your old electric bill. Best of all, you’ll get $750 for signing up, and we’ll get the same amount for Clean Water.
Ready to Go Solar? Visit this page to request your free iQuote and learn how much you could save.
Why Go Solar Today? 750 Good Reasons
Electricity costs skyrocket each summer, whenever your air conditioning powers up to tackle the heat. Our members in Maryland and Delaware have a great chance to do something about this today. Our partnership with Sungevity makes it easierm than ever to go solar with a rooftop solar electric system.
Here’s the 750-reasons deal:
1) Sungevity will give you $750 when you sign up for a zero-down solar lease, and
2) they’ll also donate $750 to Clean Water Fund.
- Good for the planet. And for your budget!
- You’ll get $750. And so will we.
- You’ll pay nothing up front.
- It’s the first step towards energy independence.
- Installation and maintenance are FREE, and your savings start on day one.
Publication Date:
06/28/2012
- Login or register to post comments
- Printer-friendly version