AGP Executive Report

Ocean Monitoring Fight: Maryland lawmakers are joining a broader push to stop the federal dismantling of the $386M Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning the loss of long-running ocean sensors could hurt climate and extreme-weather research. PFAS Alert: Montgomery County found elevated “forever chemicals” in a stormwater pond and nearby stream near Great Seneca Highway and Key West Avenue, prompting a health advisory and fencing to keep people and pets out. Drinking Water Push: Maryland AG Jeff Jackson backed EPA microplastics research but urged mandatory monitoring in public water systems to better track risks. Spring Freeze Relief: USDA issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Maryland after the April 21 freeze, unlocking low-interest emergency loans for eligible farm counties. Chesapeake Restoration: Maryland is distributing $31.5M from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund to 25 ecological restoration projects, including habitat and water-quality work on the Eastern Shore. Flood Resilience Funding: DNR awarded grants for nine flood reduction and restoration projects using nature-based solutions, supported by NOAA and the state’s Resilience Through Restoration Initiative. Urban Food Growth: Maryland launched a new grant program to expand urban farms and community gardens using environmentally sustainable practices. Heat & Power Context: Reports highlight how extreme heat is driving higher cooling costs nationwide, underscoring the stakes for Maryland residents as summer ramps up.

Microplastics Push: Maryland AG Jeff Jackson backed EPA research on microplastics in drinking water, but is urging mandatory monitoring so communities know what they’re exposed to. PFAS Advisory: Montgomery County reported PFAS “forever chemicals” in a North Potomac stream; officials say drinking water is safe, but residents should avoid contact and pets/fishing while more testing and cleanup planning begin. Chesapeake Bay Wildlife: A new paper links Chesapeake Bay osprey breeding declines to reduced access to menhaden, renewing calls to cut fishing pressure on the forage fish. Flood Resilience Funding: Maryland DNR awarded competitive grants for nine flood reduction and restoration projects, including living shoreline work on Tilghman Island, supported by the Resilience Through Restoration Initiative and NOAA. State Revitalization (Eastern Shore): Maryland announced $6.25M for community development projects on the Eastern Shore, including an oyster-focused environmental hub at Cambridge’s Packing House. AI in Government: More than 50 Maryland agencies now report using AI tools, raising questions about transparency, oversight, and resident protections. Data Centers Pressure: Coverage highlights local concerns and policy moves tied to Maryland’s energy and data-center boom, including a Montgomery pause and broader debate. Water Safety: YMCA of the Chesapeake reached 600+ children and families with water safety education during National Water Safety Month.

Chesapeake Bay Wildlife: A new Frontiers in Marine Science paper links declining Chesapeake Bay osprey breeding to reduced access to menhaden, renewing pressure to cut fishing pressure on the forage fish. Energy & Grid Policy: Maryland’s 2026 Utility RELIEF Act passed during the legislative session includes protections for rate hikes and a temporary freeze on EMPOWER surcharges, while also pushing data centers to upgrade infrastructure so grid costs don’t fall on ratepayers. Local Data Center Pushback: Harford County has become the first in Maryland to ban data centers, adding momentum to the state’s broader fight over electricity demand and grid strain. Severe Weather: The Storm Prediction Center warns of hail risk across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with Maryland included in the main threat area. Invasive Species: A Maryland-area field trial found pet dogs outperformed professional plant disease specialists in spotting spotted lanternfly egg clusters, a boost for early detection efforts. Public Safety: Authorities are stepping up security for World Cup matches in South Florida with “no drone zones” around venues, reflecting growing concern about drone threats. Coastal Update: The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing mariner off Ocean City, Maryland, pending further information.

Coal push with federal dollars: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, including support tied to restarting a Maryland coal plant and expanding coal-export infrastructure—drawing criticism that it’s an unnecessary subsidy for an uncompetitive fuel. Spotted lanternfly fight in Maryland: A Maryland-linked field trial found pet dogs outperformed professional specialists at sniffing out spotted lanternfly egg clusters, a promising tool as the invasive pest spreads through vineyards and forests. Severe weather risk: The Storm Prediction Center flagged a hail threat across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with Maryland in the area most at risk for damaging hail from afternoon/evening thunderstorms. Chesapeake Bay restoration funding: Maryland allocated $31.5 million to improve Chesapeake Bay waterways and local water quality, continuing targeted restoration work. Urban wildlife safety: Baltimore officials warned residents after rabid foxes were found in Roland Park, urging caution around wildlife. Heat and cooling help: With dangerous heat building across the region, Maryland health officials opened cooling stations to help residents stay safe. Data centers vs. the environment: New reporting highlights how data center growth is colliding with local opposition over electricity, water use, and pollution concerns, with Maryland communities still debating moratoriums and permits.

Chesapeake Bay Restoration: Maryland announced $31.5 million for 25 ecological restoration projects to cut nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment while boosting wetlands, trees, and rain gardens across 188 sites. Science & Sustainability in Baltimore: The Maryland Science Center marked its 50th anniversary and broke ground on Harbor Plaza renovations, including native landscaping and water-management upgrades aimed at reducing impacts to the Bay. Wildlife Safety: Baltimore officials warned residents after rabid foxes were found in Roland Park, urging people to avoid feeding wildlife and to seek help if pets are exposed. Data Centers & Local Power Strain: A new report says opponents have blocked or delayed AI data center projects worth nearly $130 billion this year, while Maryland continues its own debate as local governments consider pauses and bans. Heat & Storm Risk: A dangerous heat surge and severe thunderstorm threat is already building across parts of the U.S., with Maryland bracing for extreme conditions. Ocean City Search Update: The Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing mariner off Ocean City, pending further information.

Chesapeake Bay Funding: Maryland’s DNR is awarding $31.5 million for 25 ecological restoration projects across 188 sites, aiming to cut nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment while restoring wetlands, streams, and tree cover. Wildlife Safety: Baltimore officials are warning residents after rabid foxes were found in Roland Park, urging people to avoid feeding wildlife and to seek help if pets are exposed. Data Centers vs. Communities: Montgomery County signed an executive order pausing new data center permitting for six months, as local leaders push for clearer rules amid energy and quality-of-life concerns. Heat & Storm Risk: A new round of dangerous heat and severe thunderstorms is forecast across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with Maryland included in severe thunderstorm watches. River Otter Comeback: River otters are increasingly showing up across the Chesapeake Bay region, including urban waterways once considered toxic hot spots. Cyber Readiness: A regional National Guard cyber exercise included Maryland partners, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen defenses as threats evolve.

Chesapeake Bay Funding: Gov. Wes Moore announced $31.5 million for Chesapeake Bay and local waterway restoration, targeting 25 projects across 188 sites to cut nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment while restoring wetlands, streams, and adding rain gardens. Wildlife Safety: Baltimore officials warned residents after rabid foxes were found in Roland Park, urging people to avoid feeding wildlife and to seek help if pets are exposed. River Otters Return: River otters are showing up across the Chesapeake Bay region—including urban areas—highlighting improving water quality and conservation gains. Fishing Conservation: Maryland DNR recognized three anglers as FishMaryland Master Angler Milestone award winners, celebrating trophy catches that help fund conservation. Heat & Storm Watch: The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm watches for parts of Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic, with damaging wind the main threat. Data Center Pause: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed a six-month pause on new data center permit processing to give the county time to set clearer rules. Public Safety Search: The Coast Guard and DNR police continued a search for a missing mariner after an unmanned boat was found offshore near Ocean City.

Data Centers & Water Stress: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed a six-month data center pause, as residents and groups warn projects could strain the Potomac River that supplies most local drinking water. Local Governance & Land Use: Harford County also moved ahead with a one-year data center moratorium, becoming the first in Maryland to outright ban the developments. Public Safety at Sea: The U.S. Coast Guard is searching off Ocean City for missing fisherman Daniel Potter after his unmanned 25-foot boat was found adrift. Wildlife & Habitat: Maryland Forest Service is encouraging landowners to become certified tree farmers through the American Tree Farm System to support sustainable forestry. Health & Food Safety: A frozen pizza recall expanded to 21 states over possible metal fragments. Climate & Energy: A new report says solar generated more electricity than coal in the U.S. for the first time, underscoring the shift in the power mix.

Extreme Heat Watch: Another Heat Advisory is in effect for the D.C. area and much of Maryland, with heat index values up to 107 and schools limiting outdoor time—Baltimore also issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert and activated cooling centers. Drought and Water Stress: Maryland is under drought watch or warning statewide; late-May rain helped but didn’t fully refill groundwater and reservoirs, leaving streams at some of their lowest levels. Microplastics in Drinking Water: California AG Rob Bonta joined a multistate letter urging EPA to expand monitoring after microplastics were added to the agency’s drinking-water research priority list. Energy Costs and Data Centers: A homeowner says her bill rose despite using less power, pointing to surging electricity demand from AI data centers and higher regional capacity prices. Local Wildlife and Farms: Deer are driving more crop damage for Maryland growers near the Delaware line, with drought conditions worsening losses. Legal/Policy Shift: A federal judge ruled the EPA unlawfully ended Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants, keeping the program alive for now. ICE and Schools: ICE agents detained a man outside a Baltimore school amid community backlash from city and state leaders.

Heat Risk: A Heat Advisory is in effect for parts of Maryland, with heat index values up to 107°F and guidance to limit outdoor exertion, hydrate, and check on neighbors. Chesapeake Restoration: Gov. Wes Moore announced $31.5 million for 25 ecological restoration projects across 188 sites to cut nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution and boost wildlife habitat. Clean Boating: Maryland DNR is offering free pumpout adapter kits for boaters and marinas to help prevent illegal overboard discharge and protect local waterways. Data Center Backlash: Harford County became the first in Maryland to ban data centers, citing concerns over energy demand, noise, water use, and environmental impacts. Gunpowder River Pollution: Developers tied to a housing project agreed to a $4.1 million settlement over muddy runoff that polluted the Gunpowder River and Foster Branch. Wildlife Watch: Officials urged Chesapeake Bay boaters to report dolphin sightings through DolphinWatch as reports roll in across the Bay. Primary Season: Early voting runs June 11–18 ahead of Maryland’s June 23 primary.

Coal Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization plus two new plants, using Defense Production Act authority—an “energy dominance” move that critics call an unnecessary subsidy. Data Centers & Power: A national grid watchdog warned data centers are straining electricity delivery, with heat-season risks spreading beyond Virginia. Maryland Data Center Backlash: Harford County became the first Maryland county to outright ban data centers, citing water, bills, and environmental concerns. Local Budgeting: Calvert County adopted its FY2027 budget while residents continued pushing back on data center development. Wastewater Safety: Two contract workers remain hospitalized after an explosion at Baltimore’s Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant; officials say it likely involved an electrical fault and a sewer overflow occurred. Public Health: Clover Hill Dairy issued a recall of soft ricotta/requeson cheese potentially contaminated with listeria, with Maryland among affected states. Heat Relief: Delaware opened DHSS cooling stations for residents seeking air-conditioned relief. Wildlife Science: Researchers reported the deepest, oldest whale “graveyard” ecosystem in the Indian Ocean, teeming with marine life.

Coal Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, using Defense Production Act authority—boosting “energy dominance” while drawing criticism as an unnecessary subsidy. Data Center Pressure (Calvert): Calvert County commissioners moved a data center moratorium vote back onto the agenda after a petition topped 7,000 signatures, setting up a potential public hearing at the June 19 meeting. Heat Relief (Delaware/Mid-Atlantic): With temperatures soaring, Delaware DHSS activated cooling stations for June 10–12, offering air-conditioned spaces and hydration. Water Infrastructure (DC/Mid-Atlantic): DC Water is starting emergency repairs on a severely deteriorated Potomac Interceptor section after corrosion and exposed rebar were found, with work expected through late September. Wildlife & Climate Science: Scientists reported a deep-sea “whale graveyard” in the Indian Ocean that’s been fueling marine life for millions of years. Public Health & Aging (Maryland): New research highlights Maryland’s high Alzheimer’s and dementia rates and links cardiovascular health—especially low blood pressure—to higher Alzheimer’s risk.

Energy Policy: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new coal plants, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority—sparking renewed debate over grid reliability versus subsidies for a declining fuel. Renewables Legal Update: A federal court vacated IRS Notice 2025-42, restoring the “Five Percent Safe Harbor” for wind and solar “beginning of construction,” a major swing for developers racing toward July deadlines. Local Water Safety: Baltimore’s Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant faced an explosion injuring contractors, while an MDE-linked inspection raised alarms about potentially explosive chemicals in sewage sludge. Data Centers & Land Use: Frederick County residents fear a “data center alley” as hyperscale projects expand; elsewhere, Queen Anne’s County leaders and conservation groups oppose a proposed solar project near Centreville over farmland impacts. Invasive Species: Northern “Frankenfish” snakeheads are spreading in the Chesapeake region, threatening native ecosystems. Maryland Tech: Maryland launched an AI Innovation Lab to help state agencies test and scale AI tools. Public Health: Clover Hill Dairy recalled a Maryland soft cheese tied to a listeria outbreak.

Coal Push & Grid Reliability: The Trump administration announced up to $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new coal plants, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority—framing it as grid reliability, while critics call it an unnecessary subsidy. Invasive Species Watch (Chesapeake Bay): Maryland wildlife officials are encouraging people to hunt invasive snakeheads in the Chesapeake Bay region to protect native species. Screwworm Threat to Livestock: USDA reported new New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, raising concerns for cattle and wildlife as officials plan sterile fly releases. Local Water Safety: St. Mary’s County kicked off its summer beach water monitoring through Labor Day, using enterococcus testing to guide public advisories. UMBC Chemical Spill Response: UMBC evacuated a campus building after a chemical spill report, with crews containing it and an all-clear issued later. Data Centers & Local Strain: A debate continues over data center impacts—including noise complaints and broader pressure on power and local resources.

Livestock Biosecurity: New World screwworm has been detected again in Texas (and a dog case in New Mexico), prompting Canada to temporarily restrict livestock imports from affected U.S. areas—an alert for Maryland ranchers and pet owners to watch for wounds and report concerns. Water Pollution Accountability: Maryland lawmakers are pressing the Air Force for answers after a jet fuel leak into Piscataway Creek at Joint Base Andrews, with questions about how much spilled, why it wasn’t caught sooner, and where the fuel went. Energy & Climate Resilience: A new report says grid planners are treating extreme heat as a “design baseline” as drought, demand growth, and fuel issues collide—raising the stakes for reliability in Maryland’s summer power supply. Renewables Legal Win: A federal judge struck down IRS guidance that would have tightened wind and solar tax credits, a potential boost for clean energy projects that Maryland communities rely on. Local Wildlife & Oceans: The Maryland Zoo is opening a new red panda exhibit, while World Oceans Day coverage spotlights the harm from single-use styrofoam and the push for bans. Public Health/Environment Oversight: A Maryland audit highlights Medicaid payment problems, including repeat compliance issues—another reminder that state agencies need tighter controls.

Innovation Funding: Gov. Wes Moore announced nearly $7 million in “Build Our Future” grants from the Maryland Department of Commerce, backing 11 projects to grow innovation infrastructure across sectors like clean energy, biotech, medtech, aerospace, robotics, cybersecurity, and AI. Water Quality & Wildlife: DNR completed a 71-acre native planting at Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary’s County, expanding riparian buffers to cut runoff into the Potomac and improve habitat. Microplastics Monitoring: Maryland’s AG Kwame Raoul joined other attorneys general urging the EPA to prioritize microplastics research and add more monitoring for public water systems. Cattle Biosecurity: The New World screwworm fly has been detected again in Texas, threatening the $113 billion U.S. cattle industry and prompting rapid eradication efforts. Local Conservation Wins: Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is set to open a new red panda exhibit designed for cold-climate comfort, with indoor dens and cameras for care and monitoring. Community & Health: A Carver Elementary Summer Bash in St. Mary’s County brought families together with food, wellness, and support resources.