Rally in Annapolis for Healthy Homes + Climate Equity
On Thursday, February 26th, over 40 leaders from the Maryland Just Power Alliance rallied in Annapolis to ask state legislators to protect the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) and use it for its intended purpose: investing in clean energy upgrades for long-term energy savings and healthier communities.
The cost of living is rising faster than incomes—especially utility bills. In addition, studies have shown that gas-fueled heating and cooking release harmful pollutants indoors, contributing to asthma and other health issues.
The Maryland Just Power Alliance and allies are calling on the Maryland General Assembly to commit $164 Million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) to high-impact, equitable programs that directly support Marylanders’ transition to clean electric technologies, including induction stoves and heat pumps for low-income families, electric school buses, and solar programs.
Using the SEIF for its intended purpose through these programs will help households, schools, and communities in Maryland breathe cleaner air and lower utility bills, while helping ensure that low-income communities and renters are not left behind in energy upgrades.
Tenant leader Djamila Bah spoke at the press conference: “Funding long term solutions like replacing my electric resistance heater with heat pumps could save me nearly $1500 per year, and could make a difference for Maryland families like mine.”
Leaders holding up their utility bills at the press conference
After an energetic press conference, the team headed to the hearing room where the two doors had to be opened to fit all of us! As our power and energy heated up the room, the subcommittee chair quickly rearranged the agenda to prioritize our group. Six leaders from the Maryland Alliance testified compellingly before the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee hearing on the SEIF budget allocation.
Amber Merrell, co-chair of our Healthy Homes team, testified at the hearing: “Everyone I have spoken with, whether homeowner or renter, would prefer SEIF money be spent on striving towards an equitable energy transition, where no Marylander is subject to exorbitant utility bills and unsafe and unhealthy living conditions due to aging and inefficient electric and gas infrastructure.”
Great work to our healthy homes/climate equity team for their excellent work organizing this campaign!
We are also grateful to Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, League of Conservation Voters, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and Interfaith Power & Light for their partnership in this campaign.
See press coverage of our work here! Maryland Matters Article
