Data centers are quickly emerging as the environmental issue of this decade. Nature Forward joins our partners in expressing deep disappointment in Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s veto of critical environmental and social justice bills, a topic discussed on the latest episode of the I Hate Politics podcast. Nature Forward this week issued a press statement which in part said: "Maryland was supposed to be a leader on climate change and environmental justice. Instead, the governor’s veto of the Data Center Study Bill puts us at a disadvantage when it comes to our climate goals. It’s clear that data centers are here to stay; However, questions remain regarding the impacts these developments have on communities. Many of these projects require a large amount of infrastructure and are built close to neighborhoods, schools, and farms. Governor Moore has repeatedly committed himself to being a leader on climate change and environmental justice. By vetoing these bills, he is missing an important opportunity to address an issue that impacts every Maryland resident. The governor claims that his veto of the Data Center Study Bill was largely due to General Fund budget concerns. While we understand the tight fiscal environment that we are currently mired in, approximately half of the Bill’s modest cost would have been funded through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF), the directive of which is to “reduce energy bills and energy waste, improve reliability and resiliency, address global climate change concerns, create jobs, and more." (fb)

Need something to do during the long weekend? How about planting native wildflowers! Woodends Nature Shop has everything you need to spend a long weekend planting. Stop by Saturday between 11 am and 3 pm to purchase single plants or a pollinator kit! 🌻🌸🌺 (fb)