AGP Executive Report

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.

Maryland Immigration Crackdown on Scams: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to coordinate state action against fraud, exploitation, and rights violations targeting immigrant communities, including legal services scams, workplace violations, housing issues, consumer fraud, and civil rights complaints. Native Plants vs. HOA Rules: A Columbia, Md. couple’s pollinator garden sparked an HOA fight, with the HOA demanding they remove the native landscaping and restore turf—highlighting how HOA crackdowns can reduce habitat for butterflies and other wildlife. Coal Funding Reaches Maryland: A new federal push using wartime authority would restart a Maryland coal facility and fund coal plants and an export terminal, underscoring ongoing tension between energy policy and pollution concerns. Heat Returns in Maryland: A warm, less-humid start is expected to give way to hotter conditions later in the week, with the chance of scattered thunderstorms. Garden Biodiversity Boost: A Kent County Free Seed Library is offering free seeds—especially native pollinator plants—to help residents grow food and support local biodiversity.

Invasive Species Threat: Texas officials reported the first New World screwworm case in decades, warning the flesh-eating parasite could spread and disrupt the $113 billion U.S. cattle industry—Maryland residents should watch for USDA updates as containment ramps up. Energy & Climate Policy: A new federal push uses wartime powers to send $700 million toward “clean, beautiful” coal, including a restart tied to Maryland—raising questions about air pollution and long-term energy direction. Severe Weather Impacts: Thunderstorms knocked out power for thousands across the region, including Maryland, and caused ground stops at major airports—another reminder to prepare for fast-moving storms. Local Nature & Community: Kent County launched a free seed library to boost home growing and pollinator-friendly biodiversity, partnering with University of Maryland Extension and local groups. Water & Land Management: Maryland’s Newtowne Neck riparian buffer expansion aims to improve water quality, continuing the state’s push for healthier waterways. Education & Governance: A Maryland school-board social media guardrails debate is resurfacing after a Baltimore-area case showed how unclear rules can limit action.

Severe Weather & Power Outages: Thunderstorms triggered ground stops at major U.S. airports and left more than 2,300 Maryland residents without power, including 1,196 BGE customers in Howard County and hundreds in Baltimore and Carroll counties. Storm Safety: A new guide warns drivers to avoid sheltering in cars during tornado warnings, urging immediate action to find safer cover. Livestock Biosecurity: Texas officials and USDA reported a reappearance of the New World screwworm fly, with a new case in a calf and a quarantine zone—raising stakes for the cattle industry. Energy & Climate Politics: President Trump announced nearly $700 million in federal support for coal, including a possible restart of AES Warrior Run near Cumberland, as the debate over clean energy funding and reliability heats up. Local Water Quality: Baltimore County moved to end “trash juice” discharges tied to the Days Cove landfill by pulling its permit. Wildlife Health: An Arctic gray whale story highlights malnourishment pressures as the warming seas disrupt feeding.

Air Quality Alert: Maryland’s Department of the Environment issued a Code Orange air quality alert for the I-95 corridor, urging sensitive groups to limit strenuous outdoor activity and consider masks. Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration is pushing nearly $700M into coal power, including a plan to restart AES Warrior Run near Cumberland, while also funding coal plants and a California export terminal. Heat Impacts on Wildlife: New research finds heat waves can muddle animals’ thinking—hurting learning and survival—raising stakes as climate-driven hot spells intensify. Data Centers vs. Communities: A growing backlash continues, with lawmakers and voters pressing for limits as data centers strain energy and local water supplies. Bay & Wildlife Protection: A lawsuit seeks stronger protections for horseshoe crabs after declines in the Delaware Bay, warning that the species’ loss could ripple to birds that depend on their eggs. Maryland Leadership: After 30 years in environmental advocacy, Kim Coble announced her retirement from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.