(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Chesapeake Bay Foundation President Will Baker issued this statement after Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh announced her city is suing energy companies for allegedly knowingly contributing to climate change which increases costs for local governments:
"This is time for bold action to slow climate change, and to save the Chesapeake Bay. We support Mayor Pugh and the people of Baltimore.
"Climate change threatens our remarkable progress reducing pollution throughout the Bay region. More intense storms will increase polluted runoff, flood Baltimore basements with sewage, and destroy small businesses like those in Ellicott City. Some scientists estimate rising waters could inundate Tangier Island, Smith Island, Hampton Roads, and thousands of acres of environmentally-critical tidal wetlands.
"The efforts needed to aid the Chesapeake's recovery are the same that will save our planet: reduce coal plant and vehicle emissions, protect forests, plant trees, and more. The status quo is untenable. Bravo Mayor Pugh."
