Dear friends & community partners,
We are asking you to stand with us in strong support of the CHERISH Act this legislative session in Annapolis.
At the South Baltimore Community Land Trust, our commitment to this bill is rooted in lived experience. South Baltimore communities spent five years defeating a proposal to build the nation’s largest trash incinerator less than a mile from schools and homes in Curtis Bay — in a neighborhood already burdened by multiple pollution sources.
That fight revealed a glaring failure in public policy: despite overwhelming existing pollution, there were no protections to prevent new sources from being added to already overburdened communities. No cumulative impact safeguard. No line that said “enough.”
We won because the community took the lead — and a broad coalition stood behind that leadership to build the power required to stop an environmental injustice.
The CHERISH Act grows directly from that lesson. (Learn more about the bill in our January blogpost.) Community members formed the substance of this bill, defined the core principles as part of the MAJC coalition. If we want lasting protections against cumulative pollution, we must build the collective force to win again.
Here are four important ways you can help:
1. Sign your organization onto our group testimony
Add your organization’s name to our group testimony by the March 6 deadline to demonstrate to lawmakers that the CHERISH Act has broad, statewide support.
2. Submit written testimony
You may submit testimony as an individual or on behalf of your organization. Tell our lawmakers why this bill matters to you and your family! Every voice strengthens the case for this legislation.
3. Attend the hearings and help us pack the room
Let’s show lawmakers that our communities are paying attention. Wear green and help us pack the room at the Senate hearing (scheduled for Tuesday, March 3) and House hearing (scheduled for Monday, March 10). If you have questions about how to get to a hearing and what to expect, email jk****@********er.org.
4. Join the rally in Annapolis on March 17
Come out, bring your network, and help amplify the call for environmental justice! We will rally at 9:30AM on Tuesday, March 17 at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis to ensure that elected officials pass the CHERISH Act.
This is a critical moment. The strength of this bill depends on the strength of our coalition. Your participation—whether by signing on, testifying, or showing up—will make a meaningful impact.
Please reach out to gr**@***lt.org if you have any questions.
