Leading groups spotlight cost-effective alternatives to gas, including modern battery storage, solar power and other steps to address rising grid congestion and energy bills.

ANNAPOLIS – Three of Maryland’s biggest environmental groups today announced their strong opposition to opening the door to construction or expansion of gas-fired generation facilities in the state.

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, and Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club today held a joint press conference highlighting the fact that Marylanders could face rising electric bills as a result of massive costs incurred on wasteful gas-plant projects. The groups also made clear that the serious and ongoing impacts of climate change in Maryland can best be mitigated by cheaper, faster, and safer alternatives to gas.

“Right now we are hearing a lot about rising electricity bills and the need for reliable power.” said Kim Coble, Executive Director of Maryland LCV. “Some are suggesting we should go back to building fossil fuel plants – but that’s like trying to solve today’s problems with yesterday’s tools. We know clean energy and battery storage work better for both our environment and our wallets. This isn’t about choosing between keeping the lights on and having clean air – we can and should have both.”

“Most Maryland voters will be shocked to learn lawmakers in Annapolis are considering a policy that could build a large gas-fired power plant in the state,” said Mike Tidwell, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund. “Data shows gas is actually more EXPENSIVE than modern battery storage as a way to address the state’s rising use of electricity. Texas and California are demonstrating right now, today, that utility-scale battery storage, combined with renewable power, will keep the lights on and protect rate-payers. In an era of rapid global warming, with wildfires in California and flooding in downtown Annapolis, the last thing Maryland should be doing is building a new gas plant. Such plants, using methane from fracking wells across the region, contribute to global warming as much or more than coal plants when lifecycle emissions from leakage and combustion are factored in.”

“As a former legislator, I understand the responsibility of policy making and the importance of passing bills that benefit our communities, which is why I am speaking out today,” said Maryland Sierra Club Chapter Chair Carlo Sanchez. “Maryland ratepayers should not be on the hook to subsidize gas plants that will have a negative impact on their health and worsen our vulnerability to the climate crisis. Gas plants take years to build, and therefore wouldn’t provide any ratepayer relief anytime soon. We believe that working with stakeholders to bring clean renewable energy and storage online now is the far better way to go. We stand ready to work with the Maryland General Assembly leadership and the Governor to make this happen.”

At today’s press conference, advocates emphasized that, while Maryland’s electricity needs are projected to increase, no new gas plants are needed to meet that demand. They stated that building a new gas plant is the slowest, most expensive, and most polluting way to meet that new demand; the state instead should deploy wind, solar, batteries, energy efficiency, and demand response. 

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is dedicated to driving change 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 clean energy solutions in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Maryland LCV educates and activates people to take equitable and just political actions for clean water, healthy air, and climate-resilient communities.

Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is America’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. The Maryland Chapter has over 70,000 members and supporters, and the Sierra Club nationwide has approximately 800,000 members.