Marylanders in Hybrid Cars to Encircle Annapolis Statehouse to Support Energy Efficiency Bill; Rally Saturday Jan. 10 1/7/2004
From: Mike Tidwell of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, 301-920-1633 or 240-460-5838 (cell) News Advisory: Scores of Marylanders driving dozens of energy-efficient cars and trucks will encircle the Maryland Statehouse this Saturday, Jan. 10, to demand passage of an energy-efficiency bill vetoed by Gov. Bob Ehrlich last spring. The first-of-its-kind rally Saturday will feature dozens of vehicles from across the state. In a first-of-its-kind event, the long caravan of hybrid, electric, and biodiesel vehicles -- decorated with banners supporting the bill -- will drive repeatedly around the capitol building and the Governor's mansion followed by a rally on foot at Lawyer's Mall. Demonstrators will urge the General Assembly to "over-ride" the veto of HB 747 which sets improved electricity efficiency standards for several commonly used appliances and equipment such as traffic lights, cable boxes, and commercial washing machines. The bill would save Maryland 200 megawatts of electricity by 2020 and save Marylanders $600 million. Gov. Ehrlich vetoed this very popular bill in May, asserting it was bad for consumers even though many consumer groups, environmentalists and the state's largest electricity supplier -- Constellation Energy - supported it. DETAILS What: Car caravan and rally in favor of HB 747, the Maryland Energy Efficiency Standards Act When and where: Caravan of cars will commence at noon, followed by rally on foot at 12:30 p.m. Note: Media should gather no later than 11:45 a.m. at Lawyers Mall, right in front of the north steps of the Statehouse. Organizers will direct journalists to the best spots to take photos and observe the caravan. Sponsored by: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Maryland Public Interest Research Group, Maryland Interfaith Climate Alliance, and Chesapeake Climate Action Network For more information: Contact Mike Tidwell at 301-920-1633 or 240-460-5838 (cell) or by email at mwtidwell@aol.com. |