AGP Executive Report

Data Center Fight in Baltimore County: The Baltimore County Council backed a moratorium on new data centers while the Planning Board finalizes a report, with officials citing unanswered environmental and energy concerns; Local Governance: Charles County commissioners scrapped a data center zoning text amendment and will restart with a task force and outside consultant after public pushback over noise, water use, and farmland impacts; Public Health & Environment: Maryland’s Department of Agriculture will conduct ULV mosquito control spraying in Crofton (July 28) and Severn (July 29), with residents urged to avoid outdoor activity during treatment; Wildlife: North Beach celebrated a baby osprey’s first flight over the Chesapeake Bay, a key step toward independence; Water Quality & Conservation: A partnership will expand water-quality monitoring through ShoreRivers, and the Severn River sees nearly 200,000 baby oysters planted to improve conditions; Climate Policy: Multistate legal action targets EPA moves that weaken greenhouse-gas rules, including challenges to HFC phaseout rollbacks.

Data Center & Grid Governance: Maryland-area consumer advocates and lawmakers are pushing for reforms at PJM, arguing the grid operator’s governance gives too much power to market players while ratepayers—including in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia—have too little say. Invasive Species Watch: Scientists say Maryland’s spotted lanternflies may be shifting and possibly declining in some areas as predators and management improve, though researchers can’t agree on the overall trend. Chesapeake Restoration: Millions of baby oysters were planted in the Severn River to boost water quality, rebuild habitat, and protect the shoreline from erosion. Mosquito Control: The Maryland Department of Agriculture plans unscheduled adult mosquito spraying in Annapolis on July 27 after a public health concern. Climate & Cooling Rules: Maryland is among states challenging EPA rollbacks to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) regulations, warning the changes could increase greenhouse gas emissions. Local Resilience Planning: Eastern Shore counties are racing to address data center zoning gaps and moratoriums as they weigh tax revenue against strains on power, water, and roads. Community Learning: Hagerstown workshops will teach residents how to identify native trees for seed collection and how to spot and control invasive plants.

Data Center Power Struggle: Consumer advocates are pushing to change how PJM, the grid operator serving Virginia, Maryland and D.C., makes decisions—arguing data-center growth and governance tilt too far toward industry players. Local Recycling Upgrade: Prince George’s County switched on a modernized recycling materials sorter at its facility, aiming for cleaner outputs and better revenue by reducing contamination. Water Quality Monitoring: ShoreRivers expanded its Swimmable ShoreRivers bacteria testing and reporting across Eastern Shore public access sites, with more than 54,000 visits to its Swim Guide pages. Wildlife & Habitat: Newport Bay Partnership is entering its second year restoring salt marsh habitat with $2 million from Maryland’s Whole Watershed Fund, targeting erosion, water quality and habitat gains. Public Health: A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has been tied to multiple states, with FDA/CDC updates and recalls underway. Air Quality Warning: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to disrupt health care access, including opioid treatment, as smoke worsens air conditions. Food Safety Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled over 15,000 cases of Organic Lentil Soup due to potential spoilage risk. Community Conservation Education: Hagerstown residents can register for workshops on identifying native trees for seed collection and controlling invasive plants.

Data Centers & Power Costs: PJM says electricity demand is rising faster than new supply, with data-center growth driving higher future power costs—fueling new fights over who pays and where facilities should go in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Local Governance: Baltimore County is weighing extending its data-center moratorium while a task force drafts tougher zoning rules, including limits on where new sites can go and added separation from homes. Energy Policy: Maryland’s draft building code changes are drawing fire from environmental groups and lawmakers, who warn removing a solar requirement could raise long-term operating costs for large buildings. Wastewater Oversight: Baltimore’s Back River wastewater troubles are back in the spotlight, with reporting tying the plant’s rapid decline to staffing shakeups and safety/management failures. Public Health: Maryland confirmed two measles cases in Southern Maryland after out-of-state travel, listing exposure sites and urging residents to check MMR vaccination status. Wildlife & Water Quality: A new study warns that thousands of stranded ships near the Strait of Hormuz could act as a “super-spreader” for marine invasive species—an issue Maryland’s coastal and Bay communities watch closely. Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to affect the region, with health alerts and “very unhealthy” conditions reported in parts of Maryland.

PFAS Fight: Maryland AG Jeff Jackson joined a multistate push to stop the EPA from rolling back drinking-water limits on four “forever chemicals,” warning the change would weaken testing and protections. Wildfire Smoke & Health: Southern Maryland faced Code Purple air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke and ozone drove pollution into “very unhealthy” territory, forcing closures and cancellations. Data Center Pressure in Charles County: Commissioners withdrew a zoning text amendment for a data center campus, saying they’ll wait for a state report and consider a task force—after residents raised concerns about costs, air quality, and emissions. Transmission Line Opposition: Opposition to the Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line kept growing, with multiple local bodies and boards in Clarke County formally opposing the project. Mosquitoes & Neighborhood Trees: New research links higher mosquito numbers in lower-income Baltimore and Washington areas to invasive plant growth in unmanaged lots, boosting larval survival. Solar Savings in Baltimore: Baltimore Shines expanded no-cost rooftop solar for homeowners, cutting electric bills and helping residents move to fully electric systems. Conservation Funding: Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved $1.46M for parks, skate and pickleball projects, and land conservation across several counties. Measles Alert: Health officials in St. Mary’s County responded to a possible measles case with masking and PPE precautions as cases rise nationwide.

Wildfire smoke + heat outlook: Maryland’s Lower Shore is bracing for a “triple threat” this summer and into fall—heat, humidity, and continued smoke from Canadian wildfires, with officials warning air-quality health risks may linger into August. New state park in Wicomico: Maryland DNR celebrated the 445-acre Wetipquin Creek State Park acquisition, a first for the county, with plans for tours and programs tied to the historic Long Hill property and local Indigenous and farm history. Data centers vs. property rights: As AI campuses expand, utilities’ transmission-line plans are triggering eminent domain fights in rural areas—raising questions about whether private land can be taken for projects built mainly for a small set of tech customers. Clean-energy permitting: A new review finds state legislatures are increasingly passing “permissive” clean-energy siting and permitting rules, with Maryland showing some policy gains. Bird protection from wind: Norway reports bird deaths fell about 72% after painting wind turbine blades black—an approach researchers are now testing elsewhere. Chesapeake Bay health: Maryland is reminding residents that Vibrio bacteria can rise in warm, brackish Bay waters, and summer conditions can increase risk. Key Bridge rebuild scrutiny: A Maryland lawmaker questioned whether the Francis Scott Key Bridge can be rebuilt by late 2030 and pressed for clearer cost answers.

Chesapeake Bay Health Alert: Maryland officials are warning swimmers and boaters that Vibrio bacteria can spike in warm, brackish summer water, with infections rare but potentially serious—especially for people with certain health risks. Climate Rule Fight: Maryland and other states are suing the Trump EPA over rollbacks to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) limits, arguing the changes delay cleaner refrigerants and raise greenhouse gas emissions. Local Conservation Win: Maryland dedicated Wetipquin Creek State Park in Wicomico County, a 445-acre site meant to protect Delmarva habitat and preserve the historic Long Hill property. Air Quality After Wildfire Smoke: Even as smoke visibility fades, unhealthy air can linger across Maryland, with health experts urging residents to check air quality and limit exposure. Data Center Zoning Reset (Charles County): Commissioners ended a data center zoning proposal and will restart with a task force and outside experts before any new plan.

Chesapeake Bay Health: A new NOAA-linked story highlights how warming waters are tied to rising Vibrio infections, with a Cambridge, Maryland man’s “flesh-eating” illness tied to a crab-pot scratch. Watershed Restoration: The Newport Bay Partnership won $2M from Maryland’s Whole Watershed Fund to restore salt marsh and improve habitat and water quality, including work at Croppers Marsh and Bottle Branch in Berlin. Public Safety & Environment: Maryland State Trails now allow pedal-assist e-bikes on state trails, capped at 20 mph and limited to pedal assist. Local Enforcement: Baltimore County charged two men over unlicensed exotic animal photoshoots involving a lemur and spider monkey, including a Towson Town Center garage shoot. Food Safety: A national cyclosporiasis outbreak update adds confusion after an iceberg lettuce recall tied to Taylor Farms, with FDA later calling one test result a false positive. Infrastructure Watch: Gov. Wes Moore toured the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild with members of Congress, emphasizing schedule, safety, and cost transparency. Community & Health: Maryland’s new farm food-service permit rules aim to give farmers more flexibility while keeping public health protections in place.

Key Bridge Rebuild: Gov. Wes Moore hosted members of Congress on a tour of the Francis Scott Key Bridge construction, saying the project is on track for a 2030 reopening with added safety upgrades and a faster-than-usual debris-clearing pace. Bay Water Quality & Marinas: A look at how Chesapeake Bay “pollution diet” rules can fall short at the marina level, where wastewater handling and enforcement vary widely. Chesapeake Wildlife: Maryland biologists report rare sturgeon surprises in Marshyhope Creek, including multiple adult females appearing ready to spawn. Oysters & Policy: Environmental groups warn that language in a NOAA funding bill could open future Bay oyster restoration sites to commercial harvest. Wildfire Smoke Health: Coverage continues on how Canadian wildfire smoke is driving unhealthy air conditions and health risks across the Mid-Atlantic. Local Safety Education: Easton’s BAAM is set to build a traffic garden/Safety Town to teach kids bike and street safety. Grants & Conservation: Maryland announced greenspace grant funding, including projects aimed at improving local outdoor access.

Greenspace Funding: Gov. Wes Moore’s FY 2027 budget sets aside $7 million for Maryland’s Greenspace Equity Program, backing 15 projects across nine counties and Baltimore City to create, preserve, and improve parks, trails, gardens, and stormwater features in overburdened and underserved areas. Air Quality & Storm Impacts: After Canadian wildfire smoke and severe weather battered parts of Maryland, conditions eased to moderate levels for much of the state, though western Maryland still faced Code Orange for sensitive groups, and another smoke round could return mid-next week. Data Center Backlash: Prince George’s County passed a two-year moratorium on data center development as communities weigh revenue against environmental and air impacts; the debate is echoing across the region as other counties pause and experts urge negotiated guardrails. Clean Energy Legal Fight: AG Anthony G. Brown co-led lawsuits challenging EPA’s abrupt cancellation and clawback of Maryland’s Solar for All grant, arguing the program was meant to cut costs and pollution in low-income communities. Wildlife Rescue: The National Aquarium reported 29 cold-stunned sea turtles finally returned to North Carolina waters after longer-than-usual rehabilitation tied to unusually cold winter conditions.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Maryland’s air is easing after Saturday storms, but the Maryland Department of the Environment still warns smoke from Canadian wildfires could return later this week, with another round possible by midweek. Severe Weather Impacts: Thunderstorms and damaging winds hit parts of the state, snapping trees and knocking out power for tens of thousands of customers, especially in Anne Arundel County. Air Quality Alerts: The D.C. region saw improvements to good-to-moderate levels after smoke cleared, though sensitive groups are urged to limit outdoor time in case haze comes back. Wildfire Crisis in Canada: Canada is preparing evacuations for residents threatened by fast-moving fires, with officials reporting hundreds of active blazes and continued smoke drifting into the U.S. Local Water & Wildlife: Maryland oyster farming is highlighted as a growing, managed industry that can help reduce pressure on wild reefs while supporting Chesapeake Bay health. Community & Conservation: Maryland state parks are promoting a “challenge” approach to exploring more parks statewide, and the state also opened volunteer opportunities to help protect local forests.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Alerts: Canadian wildfires kept Maryland in the danger zone, with Code Red/Code Purple conditions reported across the DMV as PM2.5 levels stayed unhealthy for everyone and worse for sensitive groups; some improvement was expected Saturday afternoon, but smoke could linger and a third wave may return. Severe Weather After Smoke: As smoke eased in spots, the region shifted to storm risk—NWS issued a Flood Watch for parts of Maryland and DC and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering the area, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes possible. Cross-Border Politics: President Trump threatened higher tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the criticism “absolutely unacceptable” and urged dropping softwood lumber tariffs instead. Local Governance—Data Centers: Prince George’s County approved a two-year moratorium on new data center development, citing unanswered questions about water and long-term impacts. Wildlife Update: A bald eagle success story is facing new threats, with researchers flagging reproductive difficulties tied to severe weather and limited food. Public Health—Food Recall: Taylor Farms expanded a recall list for iceberg lettuce linked to cyclospora contamination, including Maryland.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfires are keeping Maryland under Code Red/Code Purple air alerts, with haze over Baltimore and the DMV and guidance to limit outdoor exertion; forecasters warn smoke may linger even as storms approach. Severe Weather in Maryland: A Flood Watch for Arlington and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch across parts of DC, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia bring risks of damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes; nearly 30,000 Marylanders lost power after storms. Cross-Border Fire Politics: President Trump threatened higher tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford called U.S. criticism “absolutely unacceptable.” Data Centers vs Communities: Prince George’s County approved a two-year moratorium on new data center development, citing unanswered questions about water and long-term impacts. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a recall of iceberg lettuce in 27 states after an outbreak of severe intestinal illness linked to cyclospora.

Wildfire Smoke Emergency: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed Maryland into Code Purple (very unhealthy) statewide, with health officials urging people to stay indoors, limit exertion, and use N95/KN95/FFP2-type respirators if going out; Baltimore and the Eastern Shore saw especially grim conditions, and some residents canceled or altered plans (including Salisbury’s 3rd Friday event). Air-Quality Politics: President Trump threatened higher tariffs on Canada over “filthy” wildfire smoke, while Canadian officials pointed to ongoing wildfire prevention spending. Local Forest Stewardship: Maryland DNR and the Maryland Forestry Foundation are seeking volunteers for county/regional forestry boards to support tree plantings and education. Chesapeake Bay Oysters: A proposed federal budget change could restrict funding for oyster restoration unless planted oysters become eligible for managed commercial harvest after three years. Ocean City Navigation: The U.S. Army Corps plans about 15 days of dredging at the Ocean City Inlet to reduce shallow-water groundings before the White Marlin Open. Data Centers: Prince George’s County residents received an anonymous pro–data center text tied to a faith-linked website, adding to local backlash after a data center moratorium. Wildlife & Health: Maryland opened its black bear hunting lottery and tick-season concerns continue as tick bites rise nationwide.

Wildfire Smoke Health Emergency: Maryland is under escalating air quality alerts from Canadian wildfires, with the Maryland Department of the Environment issuing a Code Purple (very unhealthy) for much of the state and Code Red conditions also reported in parts of the Baltimore area; officials urge residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed, limit outdoor exertion, and use N95/KN95 masks if going outside. Local Impacts: Salisbury canceled its 3rd Friday event due to unhealthy air, and multiple outdoor activities and pools were shut or delayed across Southern Maryland as smoke worsened. Public Guidance & Timing: State and local leaders say conditions are expected to linger through the weekend, with gradual improvement as weather systems move the smoke out. Mosquito Risk Update: Maryland’s agriculture department confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito trappings in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, and announced targeted adult mosquito spraying in Prince George’s for July 19. Policy Watch: Baltimore County data center rules are back in focus as the county considers extending its moratorium and tightening siting and environmental safeguards. State Spotlight: Gov. Wes Moore named July 17-25 Buy Local Week, encouraging Marylanders to support local farms and seafood.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Maryland is bracing for worsening air as Canadian wildfire smoke pushes air quality to Code Red Friday statewide, with Western Maryland possibly hitting Code Purple; health experts urge people to limit time outdoors, keep windows closed, and use recirculating A/C and portable air purifiers, with N95/KN95 masks recommended if you must go out. Water Quality Funding: Maryland awarded $11.2 million through the Whole Watershed Fund for 30 restoration projects across the Antietam Creek, Baltimore Harbor, Newport Bay, Severn River, and Upper Choptank River watersheds, plus monitoring support. Shoreline Restoration Tech: Chesapeake Bay Program partners are promoting “QuickReef,” a faster-to-install living-shoreline sill material that could ease the funding bottleneck for shoreline erosion control. Conservation Corridor: Kent County added a new 10,000-acre conservation corridor via a conservation easement supported by Maryland DNR’s Rural Legacy and REPI, protecting habitat connectivity and aquifers. Local Data Center Rules: Baltimore County’s planning board heard a report recommending stricter hyperscale data center limits, including setbacks from schools and homes and tighter noise caps, as the county pauses new developments until 2027.