[RP TownTalk] Tuesday: Join AWS in Annapolis for the Environmental Summit

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Quick Links   Donate  Volunteer   Recent News  Upcoming Events Become a Member From the AWS Blog First Volunteer Event of 2012!   Last week USDA employees joined AWS to remove 25 bags of trash, tires, and invasive plants from the banks of the Northeast Branch.  Click to read more Connect with us!        Working Toward a Trash Free Maryland JANUARY 23, 2012 The Maryland General Assembly session is underway and AWS is once again championing the bag bill in Annapolis. This is a simple, effective policy whose time has come. The policy has been highly effective in DC where, since 2010, a 5-cent fee on disposable paper and plastic bags has reduced the number of plastic bags distributed by 60 percent or more while generating more than $3.5 million in revenue for cleaning up the Anacostia River. Montgomery County followed suit earlier this month and Prince George's County is seeking its own authorization for a local bag bill (which AWS is supporting).    The Community Cleanup & Greening Act will mirror the program in Montgomery County and DC, with plastic and paper bags costing 5 cents each. The revenues will be used to distribute free reusable bags to those in need and support water quality improvement projects. Montgomery County (and potentially Prince George's County) will be exempt from the statewide program because of their local programs. Plastic bags adorn a Hyattsville roadside 2011 was the best year yet for the statewide bag campaign as we saw huge dividends from our work organizing the Trash Free Maryland Alliance, more than 40 groups from all over the state who are working together to reduce litter. AWS is very lucky to have brought on board as Trash Free Maryland organizer noted trash activist Julie Lawson, whose work with the DC Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation was vital to the passage of DC's bag bill. Julie will serve as the point person for AWS's trash work. Please give her a warm AWS welcome!   For more information about the campaign, visit the Alliance website. For any additional questions, email Julie at jlawson@anacostiaws.org.    18th Annual Environmental Summit Because the Community Cleanup & Greening Act was selected as one of three priority issues for 2012 by the statewide coalition Citizens' Campaign for the Environment, AWS and Trash Free Maryland will be prominently featured at next Tuesday's Environmental Summit. AWS Director of Advocacy Brent Bolin will be speaking and introducing the bill. More than 400 activists, legislators, and staff are expected to attend, including Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch, as well as key committee chairs and other leadership. It's a great opportunity to learn about environmental issues facing the state this year. Tuesday, January 24 5:00pm - 6:30pm Miller Conference Room, Miller Senate Building 11 Bladen Street Annapolis, MD 21401 See map RSVP here! After the Summit, everyone is invited to continue the conversation at Green Drinks Annapolis at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, 128 West Street. The Loews is within walking distance of the Miller Building. There will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, background music, and lively conversation about the issues. Free--no RSVP required. The event is sponsored by the Chesapeake Legal Alliance.   The Anacostia Watershed Society The George Washington House 4302 Baltimore Avenue Bladensburg, MD 20710 Office: (301) 699-6204 Fax: (301) 699-3317 E-mail: info@anacostiaws.org Website: www.anacostiaws.org Anacostia Watershed Society Clean the Water, Recover the Shores, Honor the Heritage

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