<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Arial Black";
panose-1:2 11 10 4 2 1 2 2 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:normal;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:purple;
text-decoration:underline;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:.1in;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:120%;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
span.EmailStyle18
{mso-style-type:personal;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:#1F497D;}
span.EmailStyle19
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:#1F497D;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1043" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Marc Imlay [mailto:ialm@erols.com]
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, December 22, 2017 6:49 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Westby, Brooke <Brooke.Westby@pgparks.com>; Ellis, Michael <Michael.Ellis@Pgparks.com>; Lowe, Kyle <Kyle.Lowe@pgparks.com>; Abellera, Jon Paolo <JonPaolo.Abellera@pgparks.com>; Abrams, Amanda <Amanda.Abrams@pgparks.com>; Adams, Michelle <Michelle.adams@Pgparks.com>;
Dillon, John <John.Dillon@pgparks.com>; Dolesh, Mike <Mike.Dolesh@pgparks.com>; Garrett, Chris <Chris.Garrett@pgparks.com>; Harley, George <George.Harley@pgparks.com>; Lee, Jill <Jill.Lee@pgparks.com>; Mills, Devin <Devin.Mills@pgparks.com>; Simmonds, Tanya
<Tanya.Simmonds@pgparks.com>; Sweet, Benjamin <Benjamin.Sweet@pgparks.com>; Imlay, Marc <Marc.Imlay@pgparks.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> FW: A Year for Maryland to Be Proud Of<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Protecting Endangered Species, Evicting Invasive Ones, and Dealing with Deer Ticks</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter" />
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0" />
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0" />
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1" />
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2" />
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth" />
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight" />
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1" />
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2" />
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth" />
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0" />
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight" />
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0" />
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" />
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t" />
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1042" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Volunteer Jeanelle Tyson bags up invasive garlic mustard at Magruder Park in Hyattsville." style='position:absolute;margin-left:122.6pt;margin-top:0;width:112.5pt;height:158.25pt;z-index:251675648;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:line;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/volunteer_inv_sp.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="150" height="211" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/volunteer_inv_sp.jpg" align="right" alt="Volunteer Jeanelle Tyson bags up invasive garlic mustard at Magruder Park in Hyattsville." v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">What do the Baltimore Checkerspot, the Grey Petaltail, and the Eastern Hellbender have in common? All have great names--and all are threatened
in Maryland. In 2017 the Maryland Sierra Club's Endangered Species team began compiling data on which to base a statewide strategy for promoting biodiversity.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Some species, on the other hand, are quite the opposite of endangered. In fact, invasive plants are the biggest threat to biodiversity after loss
of habitat and water pollution. Enter our interns, who work alongside Sierra Club leaders and Park personnel learning to identify native plants versus invasive weeds, how to remove them, and how to run an invasive plant removal outing. In 2017, 45 interns
and volunteers from the Chapter's College Park office put in 620 hours to fill over 96 bags with invasive weeds such as bush asiatic honeysuckle, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, and wavyleaf basketgrass, saving hundreds of types of native plants and animals.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Interns also helped develop a process to assess and publicize which parks are safest to hike in during peak Lyme disease season. Based on the
fact that deer ticks are scarce where deer density is the naturally occuring twenty per square mile or less, this process has now been adopted in Pennsylvania and other states. The students followed up by creating a
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac8418c0e15328107c595cc54a2e9a4a9add0951cc8ef486d8cae12d088c6809bfa2371b213627860d8e18315bd81d52d0bb" title="brochure">
brochure</a> to educate the public about the connection between deer overpopulation and Lyme disease.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">In 2017, 26 interns worked hard side by side with staff and volunteer leaders, protecting our local parks and gaining real-world experience in
other aspects of <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac8438a98148dfcd0d0aa0458bbb2cb613cc251a51cbf4597f917fb4dc7245abc646b9818d82b65cd46dfbecc894a7b68dd6" title="running a grassroots nonprofit">
running a grassroots nonprofit</a>. For some, the experience is life-changing, helping to form the next generation of activist leaders. Meet some of our summer interns
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84e4834bac04b6092ce4595b77228476343c6abd41eb8c8b8d6bac0dff15d2cd50cf23388c018ecfe776ed79674ed3b6ec" title="here">
here</a>. We appreciate their efforts on behalf of Maryland's wild places. </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Sierra Club Maryland Chapter [<a href="mailto:reply@emails.sierraclub.org">mailto:reply@emails.sierraclub.org</a>]
<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, December 22, 2017 3:21 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:ialm@erols.com">ialm@erols.com</a><br>
<b>Sub</b><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">ject:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> A Year for Maryland to Be Proud Of</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:1.0pt">And How YOU Made It Happen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="0" style="width:487.5pt;background:white">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div style="border:solid #CCCCCC 1.5pt;padding:4.0pt 4.0pt 4.0pt 4.0pt" id="box">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84a3e5e7b0288d08a441fbc804b5cc40bdf129f3d89d25fd13bb16d265aa11a54611d8b1a4b09aa44d3d7997322a5857eb" title="Maryland Chapter"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/MD-Chapter-Main-Header.jpg" alt="Maryland Chapter"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 7.5pt 7.5pt 7.5pt">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p style="line-height:11.7pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><br>
</span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">A Year to Remember: A Message from The Director</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="mso-line-height-alt:11.7pt;background:white"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Capture Fracking Ban croppoed" style='position:absolute;margin-left:235.1pt;margin-top:0;width:168.75pt;height:105.75pt;z-index:251658240;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/Capture+Fracking+Ban+croppoed.JPG" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="225" height="141" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/Capture+Fracking+Ban+croppoed.JPG" align="right" alt="Capture Fracking Ban croppoed" v:shapes="_x0000_s1026"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Dear Alice Lee,</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white">I am thrilled to share with you the Maryland Sierra Club's 2017 year-in-review. In looking back over the past year, we found plenty of doom and gloom,
but<span style="color:black"> I think we've all had enough of that to last a lifetime. <b>Instead, I want to share with you inspiring stories of how thousands of everyday Marylanders like you came together to respond. </b></span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Moments of crisis can reveal a lot about a person--and an organization. In the response to the challenges of the year, I witnessed thousands
of Sierra Club volunteers and staff join together to defend our planet and sustain this important movement we are building. I couldn't be prouder of the Sierra Club that was revealed this year.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">The Sierra Club's biggest asset is its people power. In Maryland, almost 5,000 new activists joined our ranks, for a total of 18,674 members and supporters.
We marched in the streets of Annapolis and Washington DC to demand action on climate. Our county groups organized over a hundred outings to help thousands of Marylanders get outdoors. We planned film screenings and lectures to educate our communities, and
held trainings to give us the skills we need to be agents of change. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div>
<p style="mso-line-height-alt:11.7pt;background:white"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="DirectorsPic 3thumbnail" style='position:absolute;margin-left:235.1pt;margin-top:0;width:168.75pt;height:123pt;z-index:251659264;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/DirectorsPic+3thumbnail.JPG" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="225" height="164" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/DirectorsPic+3thumbnail.JPG" align="right" alt="DirectorsPic 3thumbnail" v:shapes="_x0000_s1027"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">This
focus on people is why thousands of new members joined the Maryland Sierra Club this year. They, too, wanted to be part of an organization that is facing these challenges head-on. Renewed energy gave us the inspiration and capacity not only to fight against
federal rollbacks, but also to permanently </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">ban fracking and win other huge environmental victories here in Maryland.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Out of adversity, we have created a stronger, more resilient community. And we're just getting started. I am thankful to be part of such an amazing organization and
surrounded by passionate staff and volunteers. I'm inspired by the tireless effort and endless spirit of our team. I'm looking forward to working t</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white">oward our shared vision
in 2018. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> <o:p>
</o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Josh Tulkin</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Director, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<p style="mso-line-height-alt:11.7pt"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black">Climate Action Marches Forward, Advances Social Justice</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="New partners came together in Baltimore and across Maryland to plan for the Climate March." style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:187.5pt;height:145.5pt;z-index:251660288;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_PCM_logo.png" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="250" height="194" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_PCM_logo.png" align="left" alt="New partners came together in Baltimore and across Maryland to plan for the Climate March." v:shapes="_x0000_s1028"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">On
April 29th, 25 busloads of Sierrans from every corner of Maryland converged on Washington to demand climate action. Our local Groups undertook
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84572202706c864033797118917f4293730af1aa49fb98d3ca449753e53d1610f2bb5c7cb503a9877829cd22b39192f598" title="a massive effort">
a massive effort</a> to coordinate the transportation, while also creating important connections with other local organizations. Together, these teams distributed flyers, phone banked, and posted on social media for weeks ahead of the March to spread the word.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Our organizing embodied the theme of the event, "To Change Everything, We Need Everyone." The alliances that were forged during Climate March planning will continue
to pay dividends. In Baltimore, the Sierra Club joined two dozen other community groups--advocating for issues from public health to fair housing and workers' rights--to form the "Baltimore Table" of the People's Climate Movement. The partners decided that
the March would mark a beginning, rather than an end--that they would work together long after April 29th to build "the new energy and economic future by undoing environmental racism."
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Since so many social justice issues have an environmental component--incinerators are often sited in poor neighborhoods, for instance--being part of the Baltimore
Table will allow the Sierra Club to receive and share expertise as part of equity campaigns throughout the city, multiplying the Club's reach many times over. In June, losing no time, the Table persuaded the City Council to pass a resolution supporting the
Paris Climate accords. Although nonbinding, the resolution lays out specific steps to take toward an equitable, clean-energy future.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;background:white">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black">Advancing Clean Energy in Maryland and our Region</span></b><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Clean Energy" style='position:absolute;margin-left:272.6pt;margin-top:0;width:187.5pt;height:165pt;z-index:251661312;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_clean_energy.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="250" height="220" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_clean_energy.jpg" align="right" alt="Clean Energy" v:shapes="_x0000_s1029"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">In
the absence of federal leadership, climate action closer to home took on vital importance in 2017. The Maryland General Assembly took a step forward in February by overriding Governor Hogan's veto of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, so that Maryland will continue
to increase its financial support for renewable energy generation. Later in session, the General Assembly took another important step passing legislation to ensure continuation of our state's ambitious energy efficiency program.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Progress continued in August, when the nine states--including Maryland--that make up the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) agreed to extend
that program from 2020 to 2030 and to cut power plant emissions by an additional 30%. To do so, Maryland will need to significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuel power plants, embrace clean energy, and increase energy efficiency. Each RGGI state will now
take the proposal through its individual regulatory update process. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Originally implemented in 2009, the RGGI's cap-and-invest program requires polluting power plants to pay for the carbon they emit, and then reinvests
the proceeds in clean energy and energy efficiency. David Barrow of the Catoctin Group knows firsthand how families can benefit from RGGI funding. An RGGI grant allowed him to install solar panels, upgrade insulation, and replace his HVAC system with geothermal--<b>
changes that slashed his energy bill from $6,000 per year to about $60</b>. Grants like these foster thousands of jobs for home energy technicians and insulation installers, driving significant economic growth.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">What RGGI has been to power plants, the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) may soon be to fossil-fueled trains, planes, and automobiles.
In November, at the Bonn Climate Change Summit, Maryland, six other states, and the District of Columbia announced plans to develop regional policies to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. With transportation poised to become the state's largest
source of greenhouse gases, the announcement comes none too soon. In 2018, as TCI begins seeking public input on potential policies, our Chapter's new Clean Transportation team will be there, urging the modernization of our transportation systems through the
rapid deployment of public transit, electric vehicles, and walkable/bikeable communities.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Fracking Ban Becomes Law, though Gas Pipeline Still Threatens the Potomac</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Fracking Ban" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:187.5pt;height:154.5pt;z-index:251662336;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_fracking.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="250" height="206" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_fracking.jpg" align="left" alt="Fracking Ban" v:shapes="_x0000_s1030"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">In
its 2017 session, the General Assembly acted to make the 2015 fracking moratorium permanent, and Governor Hogan signed it into law. This victory was the culmination of years of work by the Sierra Club, dozens of other organizations, and thousands of activists.
As part of the "Don't Frack Maryland" Coalition, the Sierra Club worked hand in hand with partners from Western Maryland and across the state. Chapter volunteers worked tirelessly to promote the permanent ban--for instance, gathering a hefty 5,500 petition
signatures. This law has made history by making Maryland the third state to officially ban fracking, and offered a much-needed reminder of what is possible when our communities work together.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Since this victory, the Beyond Gas Committee has continued its fight by organizing and informing Marylanders regarding the
proposed Potomac Pipeline--a gas pipeline that would threaten Maryland's drinking water supply, the C&O Canal National Historical Park, property rights, and more. In October, the newly formed <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac8405adb84a0b95b3b0b1fcd60dde66866d1169d914f3ae889ffcce121a76ae45f97bef38ce6677079764cebffe8a1710bd" title="No Potomac Pipeline Coalition">No
Potomac Pipeline Coalition</a> brought people throughout the entire DC-Maryland-Virginia area to join hands across the James Rumsey Bridge connecting West Virginia and Maryland to protest the building of this pipeline. Meanwhile, the Southern Maryland Group
is working hard with coalition partners against infrastructure permits that would allow the export of natural gas from Cove Point.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">To support the movement and ask Governor Hogan to prevent this dangerous project, please <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac8409ea8546e37f31e63ee0608e7d16051b116c5e0d73e827f7761075ad9d61cc376c10602e6dd64ba1b58f1d93f0c0d310" title="sign the petition">sign
the petition</a> against the Potomac Pipeline.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Real Protections Established for the Mattawoman Creek after 25-Year Fight: Focus Increases on Reducing Runoff</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p style="mso-line-height-alt:11.7pt"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="A recent outing on the Mattawoman Creek." style='position:absolute;margin-left:272.6pt;margin-top:0;width:187.5pt;height:118.5pt;z-index:251663360;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_Mattawoman.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="250" height="158" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_Mattawoman.jpg" align="right" alt="A recent outing on the Mattawoman Creek." v:shapes="_x0000_s1031"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">It
took a generation--but the Chesapeake tributary of Mattawoman Creek was worth the fight. "It's Maryland's most productive fish hatchery," says veteran activist Bonnie Bick, "with ideal conditions that cannot be duplicated." In 1990, Bick and others discovered
that the area in Charles County known as Chapman Forest was slated to be bisected by the Outer Beltway and developed into a town the size of Annapolis. An epic battle ensued, which came to victory in June when the Charles County Board of Commissioners voted
to establish the Watershed Conservation District (WCD), rezoning more than 30,000 acres in the Mattawoman Creek and Port Tobacco River watersheds to prevent further development.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">The Southern Maryland Group worked for years to win county residents and commissioners to the cause. Bick's favorite way to win converts
was to arrange canoeing trips: "Simply paddling the creek was enough. People saw it was special and fell in love with it." (Note: A proposal to create a National Marine Sanctuary including the creek--the first Sanctuary in the Chesapeake Bay--has collected
many hundreds of of favorable comments on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website, but under the Trump administration, action is unlikely.)
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white">Bulldozing forests, and paving ground that could otherwise absorb and filter water,<span style="color:black"> has created stormwater runoff problems
that ultimately threaten the Potomac and the region's drinking-water reservoirs. In December, the Montgomery County Group and the Clean Water team welcomed a standing-room-only crowd to an Educational Forum, "<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac844cb4439bafe2f99c76aebc31cce46a290d5e27b540fc2dba7d9be331c60b2e38b593de293d90e909e9dfac32d23f1fe7" title="Where Does my Drinking Water Come From">Where
Does my Drinking Water Come From</a>?" Representatives from </span>the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
<span style="color:black">, Montgomery County Parks, and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac discussed the challenges and increased water treatment costs posed by runoff and opportunities to improve stream maintenance and restoration. Four 2018 candidates
for County Executive spoke on their plans for water management if elected, proving that, yes, politicians are well aware of the importance of clean water to their constituents.</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height:11.7pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Both strong stormwater remediation techniques and smart development principles are essential to protect the valuable resources of our local
waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. In 2018, the Clean Water team plans to continue public education efforts with a focus on Howard, Montgomery, and Charles Counties. Meanwhile, in Annapolis, the Chapter will be working to strengthen overall protections for
Maryland's forests, which will bring cleaner air and help mitigate climate change at the same time they protect our waterways.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;background:white">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Public Health Meets Responsible Agriculture: </span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black">Legislators
Pass 'Not One, but Two Offshore Wind Projects Get Green Light</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="When the Maryland Public Services Commission held two public hearings, more than 160 people turned out to support offshore wind and clean energy jobs." style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:93.75pt;height:93pt;z-index:251664384;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/offshore_winds_Josh.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="125" height="124" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/offshore_winds_Josh.jpg" align="left" alt="When the Maryland Public Services Commission held two public hearings, more than 160 people turned out to support offshore wind and clean energy jobs." v:shapes="_x0000_s1032"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">For five years, thousands of Maryland members have rallied, written, emailed, and crowded hearings and community meetings in support of the offshore wind revolution.
Their dedication and enthusiasm paid off this year as the Maryland Public Service Commission approved financing for a pair of offshore installations that will produce 368 MW of clean power and create an estimated 9,700 direct and indirect jobs. Though it's
news to celebrate, more work lies ahead: We need to continue educating the public on the benefits of offshore turbines, defend against any rollbacks threatening the projects, and monitor construction plans to minimize the impact to ocean life.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Public Health Meets Responsible Agriculture: </span></b><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black">Legislators
Pass 'Keep Antibiotics Effective' Act</span></b><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Keep Antibiotics Effective" style='position:absolute;margin-left:122.6pt;margin-top:0;width:112.5pt;height:60.75pt;z-index:251665408;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_agriculture.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="150" height="81" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_agriculture.jpg" align="right" alt="Keep Antibiotics Effective" v:shapes="_x0000_s1033"><![endif]><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">This year marked the launch of the MD Sierra Club's Public Health Committee. As its first coordinated effort, our team joined a multi-organization effort to address
antibiotic overuse in livestock. The prophylactic use of antibiotics in many food animals--not occasionally, to treat illness, but as often as daily, to prevent disease--is contributing to the development of "superbugs" that are resistant to antibiotic treatment.
Some 23,000 Americans die each year from infections that can no longer be treated effectively.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">The Keep Antibiotics Effective Act of 2017 limits most agricultural antibiotic treatment to sick animals only. As part of an impressive coalition that included the
Maryland Nurses Association, Fair Farms, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, members of our Public Health Committee lobbied, offered testimony, and sponsored several public education events in service of this important bill. It passed the legislature
in April, becoming law without Governor Hogan's signature, and the Public Health Committee is now turning its focus to pesticide overuse and the risks of artificial turf.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Chapter Study Offers Path to More Solar in Maryland
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="More Solar" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:75pt;height:76.5pt;z-index:251666432;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_solar_panel.png" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="100" height="102" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_solar_panel.png" align="left" alt="More Solar" v:shapes="_x0000_s1034"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">If you want to build a solar farm, you'll need somewhere to put it. That means getting the okay from your county, which controls land use. "As solar has moved off
roofs and onto the ground, residents raised concerns and counties came out with moratoriums and restrictions," says Al Bartlett, who gathered a team to study the ins and outs of solar siting. They listened to the questions raised and worked to find responsible
answers, then developed a formal policy and tools to help citizens encourage solar on the scale that is needed for a clean-energy future. Now, Bartlett says, local volunteers are needed to take the discussion to their communities. His
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac8409f176d55d67d725947aac1c63aacb9e4a112abee1f94ca0d83e7a6bec6c6d864bda1f0bd452d5fddfeb887cbe356501" title="short slide show">
short slide show</a> clarifies the issue. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Maryland Volunteer Wins National Recognition</span></b><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p style="margin-bottom:5.75pt;line-height:115%"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Martha Ainsworth accepts her Special Service Award from and Executive Director Michael Brune." style='position:absolute;margin-left:122.6pt;margin-top:0;width:112.5pt;height:83.25pt;z-index:251667456;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_ainsworth.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="150" height="111" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_ainsworth.jpg" align="right" alt="Martha Ainsworth accepts her Special Service Award from and Executive Director Michael Brune." v:shapes="_x0000_s1035"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">In
September, the National Sierra Club honored Prince George's Group Chair Martha Ainsworth with a Special Service Award "for strong and consistent commitment to conservation over an extended period of time." Sierra Club President Loren Blackford cited Ainsworth's
"outstanding leadership skills, sharp intellect, fierce tenacity, and organizational savvy on behalf of the Sierra Club in Maryland." Under Ainsworth's tenure, the Group has re-engaged members and attracted new volunteers by expanding its activities and launching
field surveys around reusable shopping bags and foam food containers, in support of local and state environmental legislation.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black">Foam Ban: Let's Take it Statewide</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1036" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Foam Ban" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:131.25pt;height:89.25pt;z-index:251668480;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_foam.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="175" height="119" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_foam.jpg" align="left" alt="Foam Ban" v:shapes="_x0000_s1036"><![endif]><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">In recent years, local Sierra Club Groups worked successfully to ban food containers made of EPS (expanded polystyrene, often referred to incorrectly
as Styrofoam) in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. After bans were passed, the groups helped businesses comply with the new laws. In 2017, for instance, PGSC </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">and MoCo<span style="background:white"> volunteers
intensified their outreach, conducting face-to-face education outreach with over 500 food service businesses and retailers in 50 shopping centers. As a result, compliance with the ban rose from 76% to 91%.</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">For 2018, the Chapter has prioritized achieving a full statewide ban of foam containers and packing material by passing legislation in the General
Assembly. Closing down Maryland's two remaining trash incinerators--which burn "renewable" supplies of garbage, but which also emit toxic ash and fumes--is another important focus of the Chapter's Zero Waste Committee.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Pushing the Pledge for Pesticide-Free Yards</span></b><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1037" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Pesticide-free yard" style='position:absolute;margin-left:347.6pt;margin-top:0;width:225pt;height:123.75pt;z-index:251669504;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/pesticide_free_yard.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="300" height="165" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/pesticide_free_yard.jpg" align="right" alt="Pesticide-free yard" v:shapes="_x0000_s1037"><![endif]><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">As the populations of bees and other pollinators throughout the world have declined, food production and other important ecosystem components face
decline as well. Because pollinators are so crucial, the Maryland Chapter started the campaign for Pesticide-Free Yards, educating homeowners on options that let them easily yet effectively improve the health of bees and other pollinators. By eliminating insecticides,
herbicides (weed-killers, "weed and feed"), fungicides, and other chemical pesticides, home gardeners decrease the chemical runoff from their yards into local streams and waterways, and limit the exposure of pets, bees, pollinators, and even humans to negative
health risks associated with these chemicals. Click <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac845aba7c34a88595ed299284d1a43bd2630c22ecd7f1908d98a28d433650a5184e9f28aa4609ab8fcd99f2155106655a07" title="here">
here</a> to take the pesticide-free pledge! If you'd like a free sign to proudly display in your yard, email <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84b6d6248d7292bf1dfc17aa7084ba4edc3af1d0fe1f3ed7bf2ea95646a681582ee98e7bbdcb874c7dcb4729dc66532d9f" target="_blank" title="pesticidefree@mdsierra.org">pesticidefree@mdsierra.org</a>.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Outings Galore</span></b><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1038" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="In August, hikers viewed the Chalk Point power plant, source of arsenic, selenium, and other toxic runoff." style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:225pt;height:136.5pt;z-index:251670528;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/outings_galore.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="300" height="182" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/outings_galore.jpg" align="left" alt="In August, hikers viewed the Chalk Point power plant, source of arsenic, selenium, and other toxic runoff." v:shapes="_x0000_s1038"><![endif]><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Enriching on many levels, Sierra Club outings combine engagement in nature with education and activism. The Chapter and local Groups held 137 outdoor
hikes, walks, kayak trips, and stewardship field days in 2017. Some were primarily treks to learn from and connect with nature; others were issues-focused, such as the
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84862d2e93fd7bd773a25cc76d8521cd557bd12dc69185129b3390b854fc90522fd5af3f0cd4285e1663d9afc6beff6357" title="hike to view the Chalk Point coal plant">
hike to view the Chalk Point coal plant</a>, source of arsenic- and selenium-laden runoff.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">The granddaddy of Chapter outings is the biennial
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac841e1dfcc2fabf4a86f3358c15d5748c8dca8608d7842cecda5690fe3fa5b199ebd50c4a089b73f9a7cd532c7b3b0d6888" title="Jamboree">
Jamboree</a>- -a family-friendly weekend of hikes, discussions, nature study, workshops, karaoke, live bluegrass, and s'mores. In October, some 150 Sierra Club members, friends, and kids convened in Sharpsburg to explore this year's theme, "Where do we go from
here? Engaging together for a greener tomorrow." National Sierra Club President Loren Blackford gave the keynote address; other activists spoke on ways to turn the current environmental and political upheavals into community-building, movement-strengthening
opportunities. Over the weekend, during the "Bioblitz," participants identified over 150 plant and animal species within the park, including a threatened Glade Fern.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Outings don't hold themselves, of course, and so the Chapter held two trainings this year to teach the skills needed to plan and conduct them. Kudos
and welcome to the rising class of outings leaders, who will ensure Maryland members continue to savor and learn from our wild spaces. Join us on the trail! Events are posted regularly on the
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac8406867ac762624a3a4d79a69346dde93b01f6311da0b5aca1c5ae544b8d82a7e9f44498b898928a180617dd31f0d7d51f" title="calendar">
calendar</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Protecting Endangered Species, Evicting Invasive Ones, and Dealing with Deer Ticks</span></b><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1039" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Volunteer Jeanelle Tyson bags up invasive garlic mustard at Magruder Park in Hyattsville." style='position:absolute;margin-left:122.6pt;margin-top:0;width:112.5pt;height:158.25pt;z-index:251671552;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/volunteer_inv_sp.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="150" height="211" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/volunteer_inv_sp.jpg" align="right" alt="Volunteer Jeanelle Tyson bags up invasive garlic mustard at Magruder Park in Hyattsville." v:shapes="_x0000_s1039"><![endif]><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">What do the Baltimore Checkerspot, the Grey Petaltail, and the Eastern Hellbender have in common? All have great names--and all are threatened in
Maryland. In 2017 the Maryland Sierra Club's Endangered Species team began compiling data on which to base a statewide strategy for promoting biodiversity.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Some species, on the other hand, are quite the opposite of endangered. In fact, invasive plants are the biggest threat to biodiversity after loss
of habitat and water pollution. Enter our interns, who work alongside Sierra Club leaders and Park personnel learning to identify native plants versus invasive weeds, how to remove them, and how to run an invasive plant removal outing. In 2017, 45 interns
and volunteers from the Chapter's College Park office put in 620 hours to fill over 96 bags with invasive weeds such as bush asiatic honeysuckle, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, and wavyleaf basketgrass, saving hundreds of types of native plants and animals.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Interns also helped develop a process to assess and publicize which parks are safest to hike in during peak Lyme disease season. Based on the fact
that deer ticks are scarce where deer density is the naturally occuring twenty per square mile or less, this process has now been adopted in Pennsylvania and other states. The students followed up by creating a
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac8418c0e15328107c595cc54a2e9a4a9add0951cc8ef486d8cae12d088c6809bfa2371b213627860d8e18315bd81d52d0bb" title="brochure">
brochure</a> to educate the public about the connection between deer overpopulation and Lyme disease.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">In 2017, 26 interns worked hard side by side with staff and volunteer leaders, protecting our local parks and gaining real-world experience in other
aspects of <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac8438a98148dfcd0d0aa0458bbb2cb613cc251a51cbf4597f917fb4dc7245abc646b9818d82b65cd46dfbecc894a7b68dd6" title="running a grassroots nonprofit">
running a grassroots nonprofit</a>. For some, the experience is life-changing, helping to form the next generation of activist leaders. Meet some of our summer interns
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84e4834bac04b6092ce4595b77228476343c6abd41eb8c8b8d6bac0dff15d2cd50cf23388c018ecfe776ed79674ed3b6ec" title="here">
here</a>. We appreciate their efforts on behalf of Maryland's wild places. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">2018 General Assembly Convenes in Two Weeks
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1040" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Record turnout! Lobby Night 2017" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:225pt;height:117.75pt;z-index:251672576;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_Lobby_Night.jpeg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="300" height="157" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_Lobby_Night.jpeg" align="left" alt="Record turnout! Lobby Night 2017" v:shapes="_x0000_s1040"><![endif]><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">We enjoyed amazing success in the General Assembly's 2017 session, enacting all four of our priority bills. This included (as discussed above) overriding
Governor Hogan's 2016 veto of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, supporting the state's energy efficiency program, banning fracking, and prohibiting the overuse of antibiotics in farm animals. In February, a record turnout (over 400 people!) attended the Chapter's
Lobby Night in Annapolis municipal. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Our legislative efforts are being led by Mark Posner (who also serves on the Chapter Executive Committee and is the Chapter's delegate to the Club's
national Council of Club Leaders). During the legislative session, he coordinates our tracking of myriad bills as they move through the legislative process. His team developed and submitted testimony on more than 70 bills in 2017, on subjects ranging from
remedying food deserts to protecting Chesapeake Bay oyster sanctuaries.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">The team is now preparing for an equally busy 2018. Legislative priorities this coming session include protecting Maryland's forests; taking the
ban on EPS foam statewide; reforming how the Public Service Commission reviews proposals for new gas infrastructure; and securing dedicated funding for the DC area's Metro system. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Make
a resolution now to get involved. Contact your legislators asking them to support our priority bills, volunteer, and
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84573bfc5b06cb8b4c37b9cfd0929fc45940ca6288d29c56bba33fcf0409e774d998d1aaf6de4d6d2f5df3cf3e2e1130c8" title="join us February 26">
join us February 26</a> to make Lobby Night 2018 another record-breaker. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:silver" align="center">
</span></div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Elections: 2018 Endorsements Underway!
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1041" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Vote!" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:75pt;height:75pt;z-index:251673600;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
<v:imagedata src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_vote.jpg" />
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="100" height="100" src="http://image.emails.sierraclub.org/lib/fe9713727460057a77/m/1/new_vote.jpg" align="left" alt="Vote!" v:shapes="_x0000_s1041"><![endif]><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Although poll action was limited in Maryland in 2017, there were solid victories. The Anne Arundel and Catoctin Groups endorsed winning candidates
in Annapolis and Frederick municipal elections--and the Howard County Group helped pass a referendum creating public financing of elections in that county. With Montgomery, Maryland now has two counties with small-donor public financing programs for county
elections. The Prince George's County Group is working toward passage of a similar program in 2018.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">Because Sierra Club endorsements make a difference to so many voters, our local and state teams are already hard at work vetting an unusually long
list of candidates for 2018, and plans to Get Out the Vote and work the polls are already on the table. Want to add your energy to this important effort? Contact your
<a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84b4ec61a0fdaf8bf55326fad40b9b06240c5da9dfc338eabbad11e8d0852535678da56c15aa6d3d777d167b4335589c6d" title="local Group">
local Group</a> or <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84a0e6af277a76e0250a51de1c08d8fca46c2b34cfc8d7f7534bffff81219a41c3a5485f9e0dd2f394ab2868666a9bdf71" target="_blank" title="email state-level lead Betsy Johnson">
email state-level lead Betsy Johnson</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"><br>
To learn more about the work of the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, visit our <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac843891adbd1b1d939e22028f91be3649345aef5a392182cfff99a6f5bf8cc6c116e2ac4f53c9984cf1e1de3bacb064bd20" title="website">
website</a> and our <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84c3451c1330601b4f22b0c20f78798af779016edf57f5369c2bc1f7f14a5372f13156b0f1bceff44f7f3c9508960ef8f5" title="Facebook">
Facebook </a> page.<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">A special thanks to Anne O'Donnell, Savannah Acosta, David Dreisigmeyer, and everyone else that contributed to this wonderful collection. </span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" width="1" height="1" id="_x0000_i1041" src="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/open.aspx?ffcb10-fe8c15727c6d007f7d-fe3b157177660c7f741671-fe9713727460057a77-ff3810717465-fe50177975620d757d10-ff9c1572"><img border="0" width="1" height="1" id="_x0000_i1042" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=296442520516171&ev=PageView&noscript=1"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;max-width: 600px">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">
<p align="center" style="text-align:center">This email was sent to: <b><a href="mailto:ialm@erols.com">ialm@erols.com</a></b>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center">This email was sent by the <a href="http://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=5650b682a19fac84a3e5e7b0288d08a441fbc804b5cc40bdf129f3d89d25fd13bb16d265aa11a54611d8b1a4b09aa44d3d7997322a5857eb">
Sierra Club Maryland Chapter</a><br>
7338 Baltimore Ave, Suite 102 College Park, MD 20740 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="http://pages.emails.sierraclub.org/page.aspx?qs=3935619f7de112ef674e65013acb52e25f2bbe3c93a32341cc56922d712fdf08c7e0a4716758fe37588ef407413acb5054da775893bc29612cde8973adf672f116dae0e10c62afb02bc891c92e14a588857d8af4d463ba48550f4d4acdbfd0e10889f7b611c8c2f075f3f5d52499f2ba27a85168104a588a8546f95381cdb399c784c8a0dff072b8e6a1723cb2518f94c798b44a00b5d7a2262c24336ab6a424ad102996b1079884" title="Unsubscribe from this email">Unsubscribe</a>
| <a href="http://pages.emails.sierraclub.org/page.aspx?qs=c76003443ff9837dba5c63af2fc165096b9e4fb96f7a54efecdcbc5541d7b4638c49fdc0b07d90f862b746fdc20005c2cc7e28bae32bd10fd736cbd1655135f3edf6979eab547eba488386491e927a4538b417055c3d578fca3d8c0607fd57d0719be6d827c257556162955196872c76e9113f74e75f411fb31b29c30845044aace653fb882c96de03a736c17b6b4a2b0ae68f5af3c6d78c3f76930507210e819d86928a5f3b23c4" title="Manage preferences">
Manage Preferences</a> | <a href="http://view.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=708e71ca3b014ad8322d2cdd3ee747b380424a936220637912bc8ca9d78016a27d1bbe4eaeafe866734693bc01ce01ae7a540232103be3c940c96a4bb42df5ddbb599947a178fcd3">
View as Web Page</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2">
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="1" cellpadding="0" style="border:none;border-top:solid #D3D4DE 1.0pt">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="58" style="width:41.25pt;border:none;padding:9.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=icon" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="46" height="29" id="_x0000_i1043" src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-animated-no-repeat-v1.gif"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td width="473" style="width:352.5pt;border:none;padding:9.0pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#41424E">Virus-free.
<a href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=link" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#4453EA">www.avast.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>