eMDE – The time is now for energy awareness
THE LATEST FROM THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
FEATURED ARTICLE
Maryland is celebrating National Energy Awareness Month by showing Marylanders how to save energy, protect the environment, reduce the amount of pollutants in the air and keep money in their pockets.
Did you know that more than 40 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity consumption? Energy efficiency programs are the fastest, most cost-effective approach to reduce our impacts on the climate.
Find out more about Governor Martin O’Malley’s EmPOWER Maryland initiative and its statewide goal to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015 atclimatechange.maryland.gov — and take advantage of discounted energy efficient lighting, discounted appliances and the Quick Home Energy Check Up.
EmPOWER Maryland makes ¢ent$ for Marylanders. Watch for energy saving tips on Facebook and Twitter.
IN THE NEWS
CBS Baltimore: Chesapeake Cleanup Would Bring $22B to Region
Setting a dollar amount on the Chesapeake Bay — a new study compiled the numbers. The study sets the current impact of the bay at $107 billion annually. If cleanup goals are met, it would rise to nearly $130 billion a year, an increase of over $22 billion dollars. Read more
Baltimore Sun: Lead poisoning statistics hold steady, state plans new efforts
State officials are taking steps in the coming months to address gaps in the marathon effort to eliminate the environmental health threat. Read more
Baltimore Sun: Sparrows Point owner, government reach cleanup agreement
Hopes for redevelopment of the former Sparrows Point steel mill in Baltimore County – and the promise of new jobs – took two giant strides forward as the land was sold to a new owner who also reached agreement with state and federal environmental agencies on a cleanup plan for the polluted site. Read more
CBS Baltimore: Md’s Smaller Coastal Bays Now Focus of Pollution Reduction
Next to the Chesapeake, Maryland’s smaller coastal bays haven’t received as much attention when it comes to pollution. Now that’s over. Read more
AIR, LAND, WATER – DID YOU KNOW?
Register now to attend the Clean Water Innovations Trade Show
The Maryland Department of the Environment is pleased to announce the 4th annual Smart, Green & Growing Clean Water Innovations Trade Show on Tuesday, October 21, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MDE Headquarters in Baltimore.
This event will provide a forum for professionals and stakeholders from around the State to display innovative stormwater and water quality management techniques, exchange information and promote the protection of Maryland’s resources. Learning sessions for attendees on clean water topics are being developed and will be announced soon.
Want to know more about Maryland’s blueprint for Chesapeake Bay restoration? Check out MDE’s new webpage on the blueprint — and our new Bay 101 video.
Take the Compost Challenge
Did you know that food scraps and yard waste make up nearly a third of the municipal waste stream? Food waste reduction and composting offer a viable solution (and a nutrient-rich soil supplement), and a growing number of Maryland Green Registry and Maryland Green Travel members have been leading the way. Your business or organization is invited to join the Registry — and take the Compost Challenge.
THE STAT
About this STAT
The installation of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in a home is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways for a household to reduce energy costs. ENERGY STAR CFLs use 75 percent less electricity than standard bulbs and last ten times as long. In addition, CFLs produce less heat than standard bulbs, resulting in savings in cooling costs.
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MDE’s MISSION
Our mission is to protect and restore the quality of Maryland’s air, water, and land resources, while fostering smart growth, a thriving and sustainable economy and healthy communities.