Vote sets us back tremendously in the fight against climate change
For more information, contact Caroline Brewer, [email protected] or [email protected]
CHEVY CHASE, MD – Eliza Cava, Director of Conservation for the Audubon Naturalist Society, today released a statement in response to the Maryland Board of Public Works vote to lock us into decades of more greenhouse gas emissions from driving. Governor Hogan and BPW Board Member Peter Franchot voted 2-1 in favor of line item 23-GM that seeks to amend the P3 process for soliciting developers before Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are released.
“We are extremely disappointed. We consider this vote to be devastating for our region, our residents, and the democratic process. It could set us back tremendously in the fight against climate change.
Public agencies have a duty to share information with the public and complete all required analyses before moving forward with a 50-year investment, such as the Hogan Highway Expansion Plan. Neither of those duties was completed before today’s vote. We are deeply concerned about the loss of irreplaceable parkland and the degradation of water quality in our local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. And we’re also concerned that the public transit funds sharing proposal is window-dressing. Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties won’t get those funds until after construction is complete and construction costs are paid back, which could take many years. We don’t have time to waste. We need climate action that’s progressive, and more public transit, and we need them now.”
As Maryland Conservation Advocate Denisse Guitarra testified today before the Board of Public Works,
‘It is the Board’s duty to wait for the environmental studies to be released before proceeding in securing implementation partnerships and contracts. We consider these studies the eyes of the environment. In today’s climate crisis, adding more “luxury” lanes for cars is neither an equitable nor an environmentally sound solution. A plan that prioritizes climate action is the only route to satisfaction. The state must seek transit-focused solutions that reduce traffic congestion while reducing greenhouse gases.’ ”
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About ANS: Throughout its history, ANS has championed nature for all by playing a pivotal role in conserving our region’s iconic natural places from development including the C&O Canal, Dyke Marsh and, most recently, Ten Mile Creek. Past ANS member and board president, Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, is credited with launching the now global environmental movement. ANS‘s nature experts provide hundreds of opportunities each year for children and adults to enjoy, learn about, and protect the environment.