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Let’s Not Choose Between Clean Energy and Forests
Georgetown University is currently proposing to cut down 249 acres of Southern Maryland’s largest forest to build a large-scale solar facility. This forest is one of Maryland’s targeted ecological areas, meaning it is a conservation priority for the state. It is home to many at-risk birds as well as Tier II streams, the designation given to Maryland’s highest quality streams.
As we know, forests play an important role in climate and water quality. They sequester carbon and are natural filters that stop sediments and other pollutants from reaching our streams and rivers.
While we support more solar expansion, we are very concerned with this and other proposals that replace our few remaining forests with acres of solar panels.
Take Action! The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is accepting comments on this proposal until June 3rd. Click here to submit your comment today. You can also email Georgetown University‘s president and urge them to build their solar field somewhere that does not requires the destruction of over 200 acres of biologically productive forest, like on rooftops and over parking lots.
Want to take further action? The Maryland Department of the Environment will be holding a second public hearing on the project on Monday, May 13th at 6 PM at the Charles County Government Office Building in La Plata (200 Baltimore Street). The last hearing was so packed with people saying that green projects should not destroy green resources!
for more info, click here
Emily Ranson
Maryland Program Coordinator
Maryland Program Coordinator
Thanks for all you do,
WISE 