Where’s the Energy in the Elections?

The recent primary elections in Maryland set a record for low voter turnout in some parts of the state. There’s a total lack of energy among voters. I hope that between now and November 2nd, things change for the better. Voter turnout will be the deciding factor in many races across the region. If the pro environment voters stays home, we may have a major post-election hangover on November 3rd. Good clean energy laws that make a real difference are not necessarily permanent. They are always at risk of being reversed.
So, how do we get the energy back in the election? First, we have to do our civic duty and become educated, informed voters. That means checking out what groups like the Maryland League of Conservation Voters have to say about candidates. They are non partisan and focus solely on environmental issues. If you see or talk to a candidate, ask him/her about clean energy and the environment. Donate money, if you can, to pro clean energy candidates. Once you’ve energized and educated yourself, get the word out to your friends and neighbors. Use Facebook. Use the phone. Volunteer to go door to door for your local candidate.
It’s so easy to fall into the cynical view that “all the bums are the same.” Yes, our system needs major reform to have our elected representatives better reflect the views of their constituents and not of the groups that fund their campaigns. But elections do matter when it comes to clean energy policy. We’ve made huge strides in Maryland and DC on clean energy and environmental legislation. Pennsylvania’s outgoing Governor has a record that matches the best of any other leader. But these gains can be easily reversed. To get to a cleaner, greener future, we need human energy from voters this November. Staying home is not an option.

Go (Green) Back to School

There’s a lot riding on the shoulders of the students in Maryland, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania and the rest of the nation who are beginning a new school year. Sure, they have the usual academic and social challenges that have beguiled students over the years. But they have an added challenge – figuring out a way to get this nation to seriously fight global climate change. Their elders have failed them. The Congress has let yet another year go by without passing any kind of cap on carbon and the other greenhouse gases that cause climate change. The general public doesn’t seem to have any burning desire to actually solve the problem. It will likely take a new generation making a push to actually get anything done at the national level. That’s where the students come in.

Recycled paper and eco friendly school supplies only get you so far. The next step for students is to join their school’s green club. If the school doesn’t have one yet, form one. Every high school in the Mid Atlantic should have a green club. The green club should push students, teachers, and the school administration to adopt practices that reduce their carbon footprints, whether it’s switching to wind power, installing solar, getting more energy efficient, or other measures. That’s step one. Step two is to bring climate education into the curriculum. Green clubs can work with the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE) or other groups to do this. Step three is to have the green club act as a driving force to push for local or national legislation to cap and cut greenhouse gases. Students may be too young to vote, but they bring something that candidates for office need almost as much – energy, time, and a megaphone. Organized campaigns by green clubs can have an impact on how local politicians vote. I’m sure of it. Finally, step three is to unite forces. High school green clubs should work together to promote a common message and share resources. It’s far more effective that way.

Clean Currents will be doing our part to help these efforts. Our Green Neighborhood Challenge Two will have a special school division, so we can focus our efforts on supporting the work of green clubs. We are also going to partner with ACE to bring more serious climate education into the schools. We also want to act as a facilatator for green clubs working together, making sure best practices and messages are shared.

Young people have made a lot of changes in our history, it's time for them to step up again.

If you are, or you know a student going to High School this year, let us know how we can help. Simply email gogreen@cleancurrents.com.