Baltimore Climate Change Liability Case Returns to 4th Circuit

Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that a Baltimore City lawsuit targeting the oil and gas industry should return to federal court. In 2018, Baltimore City filed a lawsuit against several oil and gas companies alleging that they concealed the environmental impacts of their products. The City seeks damages to help cover costs associated with climate change adaption. The Supreme Court agreed to address a question of process - whether the case should remain in federal…

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Mayor Scott Announces Second Round of Nonprofit Relief Grants

Today, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott announced that nonprofit organizations the City will be eligible for up to $50,000 in grant funding to help offset negative financial impacts of COVID-19. Following a successful first round, Baltimore City and the Baltimore City Civic Fund is again partnering to bring needed cash flow to struggling nonprofits. Grants will be administered through the Baltimore Nonprofit Relief Fund, and eligible organizations will qualify for up to $50,000 in relief.…

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Get Your Nominations in for the 2021 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards

The Maryland Department of Planning has announced that nominations are open for the 2021 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards. Nominate a local government, business, individual, or organization today! The Sustainable Growth Awards celebrate achievements to support the 12 planning visions adopted by the Maryland General Assembly. The awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact, and quality of life. Awards are given across three categories: Leadership and Service, Sustainable Communities, and…

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Harford County Wins Award for Fleet Operation

Harford County’s fleet operations unit has been named one of "The 100 Best Fleets" by the National Association of Fleet Management. Harford ranked 42nd and ensured that Maryland was represented in the top 100. Fleet operation units were judged on their use of technology, performance, collaboration, service turnaround time and accountability. Harford County’s fleet operations unit is responsible for more than 1,000 pieces of equipment, including sheriff’s vehicles, public works trucks, and more. For the…

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Frederick Launching Broadband Pilot Program to Expand Service to More Residents

This week Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced that the County will work to expand broadband opportunities in the region. The pilot program will use a variety of resources including a $202,012 grant from the State of Maryland Rural Broadband Office to expand broadband service to the Rocky Ridge community. The program is part of a larger effort to bring more service to residents and correct connectivity gaps brought to light by a 2020 study.…

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Mid-Atlantic Governors: ‘Billion for the Bay’ Federal Funding Needed

Governors for six Chesapeake Bay states and the Mayor of D.C. have written to congressional leadership with a request: one billion dollars in federal funding to support Bay restoration. In the letter state leaders reference the looming 2025 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) pollution reduction deadline and advocated for a new injection of funding. The governors argue that a significant increase in funding would help renew cleanup efforts while create jobs and spur economic activity…

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Charles Wins $800k Grant for Stream Restoration

This week Charles County announced that they will receive $800,000 for the Westdale Drive Stream Relocation and Restoration Project. The Charles County Resiliency Authority will lead the project using funds from a Community Development Block Grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The partnership will help tackle climate-related nuisance flooding in the area by relocating the stream, prohibiting further flooding and improving the local water quality. From the press release: "The State…

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Howard County Compost Sales Hit Record Highs

For several months now Howard County has produced and sold record amounts of composted material. In both March and April the County's Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services sold more than 3,100 cubic yards of HoCoGro compost from the Alpha Ridge Landfill Facility. Average monthly sales were previously registering around 1,000 cubic yards. Composted material is a valuable soil additive that helps plants grow, and diverts food residuals and yard waste from landfills.…

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St. Mary’s Commissioners to Host Public Forum

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County will host a Public Forum on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Public Forums provide residents a unique opportunity to speak directly to the Commissioners on any county topic. Speakers at the forum will receive three minutes each to address the Commissioners and provide their comments and suggestions. The meeting is open to the public, and while in person attendance is limited to 33 individuals, there are several…

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Montgomery Adding New Charging Infrastructure to Accelerate Bus Electrification

Montgomery County is ramping up its efforts to transition their transit fleet from diesel to electric by installing new charging infrastructure. This week the County signed a P3 with energy solutions firm AlphaStruxure to deploy an integrated microgrid and electric bus charging infrastructure project at the Brookville Bus Depot. The project is expected to help the County transition more than 40 transit buses to electric power, and is the next step toward the County's goal…

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