Governor O'Malley Asks Marylanders To Participate In Earth Hour Saturday Night

Governor will turn off lights at the State House, Government House

Annapolis, MD (March 26, 2010) - Governor Martin O’Malley is asking all Marylanders to join him in participating in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. The 4th annual Earth Hour is a global effort to raise awareness about energy usage and climate change, by having people around the world turn off their lights for one hour to show support and concern for the natural world and climate change.

“Maryland is an official Earth Hour state, and Katie and I will be turning off our own lights in support of this global movement,” said Governor O’Malley. “By joining us, our fellow citizens will save energy, reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate to the nation and the world the commitment and leadership of Marylanders on this critical issue.”

Under Maryland’s Smart, Green and Growing Initiative, the State is already taking significant strides to address the drivers and impacts of climate change, conserve energy and create a more sustainable future. And citizens are playing a vital role.

Planting a tree is a simple, lasting investment citizens can make in the health of our planet, and spring is the perfect time to plant. Last nearly 250,000 new trees were planted through State and citizen efforts under the Marylanders Plant Trees program, and the program is again offering $25 coupons toward the purchase of native trees and prizes at www.trees.maryland.gov.

“Small changes, such as turning off lights and planting trees, can translate into big gains for our environment,” added Governor O’Malley. “When the lights go back on Saturday night, I’d encourage everyone to visit our Smart, Green & Growing website to learn more about what we’re doing to create the sustainable future we envision for our State, and how they can get involved.”

Learn more about Smart, Green & Growing – including Maryland’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Maryland’s Vulnerability to Climate Change -- at www.green.maryland.gov.

Visit the Earth Hour site to learn more and register to show your support http://www.myearthhour.org/community/states/maryland.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov