Dozens of youth activists gather at Lawyer’s Mall, urging legislators to stand up for their future and pass clean energy reforms, including Affordable Solar Act.

Watch the livestream recording on Instagram HERE.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — To call on state leaders to take urgent action for climate justice, students from across Maryland hosted a press conference today for Maryland Student Climate Lobby Day. Speakers included student organizers and youth advocates from Howard County, Montgomery County, and Frederick County, urging the Maryland General Assembly to pass critical legislation for advancing clean energy and addressing climate impacts. 

“Young people across Maryland are sending a clear message: we deserve a livable future,” said Dustin Branch, Baltimore Regional Coordinator, CCAN Action Fund. “Our youth understand that policies like the Affordable Solar Act are needed to make clean energy accessible to everyone, especially the communities most impacted by high energy costs and climate disruption.” 

“We’re here because our future is on the line, and because we know our future depends on the choices lawmakers make today,” said Grace Castleberry, Howard County Student, Executive Vice President, Illuminate Maryland. “When we advocate for clean energy policies, we’re fighting for clean air, green jobs, and stability for the next generation. It’s time for our leaders to listen to those inheriting the consequences of climate change.”

Student advocates prioritized the passage of the Affordable Solar Act, a bill that will ensure more solar is built in Maryland and stabilize the industry for decades to come. They also advocated for legislators to protect the EmPOWER program, pass the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act, and pass strong legislation to ensure that data centers don’t derail climate progress.

“We can’t build a safe future on outdated energy systems,” said Dhruv Dobariya, Howard County Student, President and Founder of Illuminate Maryland. “Policies that expand clean energy, like affordable solar power, protect both our environment and the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts. This is our chance to pass laws that actually match the urgency of the climate crisis.”

Once legislators had entered the State House, students traveled to the Lowe House Office Building to prepare for meetings with legislators and their staff. This event is sponsored by Illuminate Maryland and Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund. 

Watch the livestream recording on Instagram HERE.

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is dedicated to driving change in public policies at the local, state, and national levels to address the climate crisis. Through voter education, lobbying, and participation in the electoral process, we seek to advance our country’s leadership in the global movement toward clean energy solutions — focusing our efforts primarily in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. We know that a vibrant democracy is central to our success so we work to defend democratic integrity wherever we can.