Heavier rains, higher tides, and record heat are damaging lives and infrastructure across Maryland today. Our state needs to make the necessary investments to prepare for—and recover from—worsening extreme weather events. Right now, taxpayers across Maryland are paying the costs of climate change—which are compounding and contributing to the state’s projected budget shortfall—while large, out-of-state fossil fuel companies are reaping all the benefits.
We can’t afford to keep kicking the can down the road.
In 2022, Maryland passed the Climate Solutions Now Act, which set very ambitious goals for reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases. However, Maryland cannot meet its legally mandated climate goals without significant investments. Sadly, we have kicked the can down the road on funding our climate plan and, given the incoming Federal Administration and the incredibly challenging increases in climate damage and risk, we cannot afford to wait any longer.
UULM-MD is a statewide faith-based advocacy organization, with over 1,200 members. Our ministry is based on Unitarian Universalist Values, including Interdependence (honoring the interdependent web of all existence) and Justice (where all feel welcome and can thrive). Working to mitigate, adapt to, and build resilience for climate change is central to our beliefs.
This year, we have already urged the Climate Commission to support three Climate Funding bills.
They are:
• The RENEW Act (Responding to Emergency Needs for Extreme Weather)
• The Coal Transport Fee
• A Cap and Invest Program
Maryland is currently experiencing a budget crunch. Thankfully, investing in reducing the risk of climate change will help us recruit and retain businesses and jobs for our state. Every dollar we put into climate mitigation and resiliency will save us money—and potentially many lives. It will also help us ensure a thriving economy in the future.
There is a lot of essential work ahead. Our state and our organization will need additional funds and more UU advocates to maintain and expand our resources to support our work together.
Thank you,
Phil Webster, Ph.D,
Climate Change Lead Advocate
Click Here for Climate Change Update: 2024 EOY Climate Change
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