Maryland Is an Official Earth Hour State

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley during the weekend joined hundreds of millions of people, countries, corporations, and governments in participation for Earth Hour 2010. The Governor declared Maryland as an official Earth Hour state and he also turned off the lights at his home.

This year Earth Hour took place on Saturday, 27 March at 8:30 pm. The movement began three years ago as a way to show support for linking energy usage to climate change. Earth Hour planned to send a message on behalf of the United States: "We care about this country and want to turn off the lights on dirty air, dangerous dependence on foreign oil and costly climate change impacts; and make a switch to a cleaner, safer and more secure world."

An estimated one billion people celebrated the event by hosting Earth Hour gatherings where they captured photos, videos, and tweeted and blogged about it. Though the event occurs once per year, you are encouraged to get involved and make a difference throughout the year.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit Earth Hour and the World Wildlife Fund at http://www.myearthhour.org/ and http://www.worldwildlife.org/.