Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
Check Out Epa’s AirNow App for Updated Air Quality Data

The EPA's AirNow app gives users real-time air quality data in their zip code.  As forest fires from Quebec send plumes of smoke across most of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, nearly all of Maryland's counties are under air quality alerts. In response to increasing instances of air quality issues nationally, the EPA has developed the AirNow app, which provides users with a one-stop source for air quality data. The app is a partnership between the…

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June 8, 2023
Read more about the article MD Dept. of Ag. Pivots to More Robust Nutrient Management Plan Writing Program
Agriculture / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
MD Dept. of Ag. Pivots to More Robust Nutrient Management Plan Writing Program

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is shaking up its approach to Nutrient Management Plans, shifting to a more educating, training, and empowering model.  Last week the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced a shift in its Nutrient Management Plan Writing Program that will focus on a new approach to education, training, and farmer empowerment. The decision to move to this new options-rich model comes as a greater demand for plan writing has increased following the COVID-19…

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June 7, 2023
Read more about the article A Brief History of a Watershed’s Journey: 64,000 Square Miles of Adventure on the Chesapeake Bay
County News / Education / Environment / News You Can Use / Tourism
A Brief History of a Watershed’s Journey: 64,000 Square Miles of Adventure on the Chesapeake Bay

Each June during the Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week, counties across Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania take nine days to celebrate the cultures, history, and natural beauty of the nation’s largest estuary. The week was originally created by the Chesapeake Bay Commission in 2016 and is now celebrated across the watershed; residents are encouraged to celebrate the week with events, activities, and educational programs to acknowledge the significance of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The 2023 theme, “Chesapeake…

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June 7, 2023
Read more about the article State to Resume Conowingo Dam Water Quality Permitting
Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
State to Resume Conowingo Dam Water Quality Permitting

Officials from MDE recently announced the resumption of permitting for the Conowingo Dam, seeing its operation extended for at least another half-century.  Last week officials from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) announced that they would be renewing a previously agreed upon water quality certification process for the Conowingo Dam. The announcement comes after a federal court ruled that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) was wrong to grant Constellation (the company which runs…

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June 6, 2023
Read more about the article “Forever Chemical” PFAS Producers Reach $1.18B Settlement, Counties Should Benefit
Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
“Forever Chemical” PFAS Producers Reach $1.18B Settlement, Counties Should Benefit

PFAS producers DuPont de Nemours Inc. and others recently agreed to establish a $1.18 billion fund meant to absolve their liability in most of the United States. In the latest news surrounding around PFAS chemicals, also referred to as forever chemicals, DuPont de Nemours Inc. and two of its spin-offs have agreed to a $1.18 billion dollar settlement, absolving them of liability in most cases within the United States. According to the Associated Press, DuPont…

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June 5, 2023
Read more about the article 2023 NACo Achievement Awards: Spotlight on Maryland County Winners in Children & Youth and Human Services
County News / Economic Development / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Labor / NACo Achievement Awards / NACo and Federal Issues / Transportation and Public Works
2023 NACo Achievement Awards: Spotlight on Maryland County Winners in Children & Youth and Human Services

Introducing Our Celebratory Blog Series: Showcasing the Remarkable Achievements of Maryland's Award-Winning Counties! Join us on an exciting journey as we embark on a special blog series dedicated to honoring the exceptional accomplishments of the counties that triumphed in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2023 Achievement Awards. Each week, we will shine a well-deserved spotlight on a few remarkable counties, delving into their accomplishments, innovative initiatives, and the profound impact they have had on…

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June 5, 2023
Read more about the article Exploring the Jewel of the East Coast: Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week
County News / Environment
Exploring the Jewel of the East Coast: Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week

Maryland counties will be celebrating Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week from June 3 to 11, 2023. This annual event celebrates the culture, history, and natural beauty of the nation’s largest estuary.  Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week is a time to celebrate the cultures, history, and natural beauty of the nation's largest estuary. During the week, there are a wide variety of online and in-person events, volunteer opportunities, and social media conversations for everyone to take part in to…

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June 1, 2023
Read more about the article Check Out MDE’s Tree Planting Tracking Tool
Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
Check Out MDE’s Tree Planting Tracking Tool

Earlier this spring, MDE unveiled a Tree Planting Tracking Tool to help counties with the state's Five Million Trees Plan.  As part of a statewide effort to plant five million trees by 2031, earlier this spring, MDE released a Tree Planting Tracking Tool aimed at helping counties and other stakeholders. The website includes eligible tree planting programs, tree care resources, and more information about how the Five Million Trees initiative advances various environmental and socio-economic…

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June 1, 2023
Read more about the article MD Planning Opens Noms for 2023 Sustainable Growth Awards
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning
MD Planning Opens Noms for 2023 Sustainable Growth Awards

The Maryland Department of Planning recently opened nominations for the 2023 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards. The Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards celebrate significant achievements by individuals, businesses, organizations, or local governments to realize the 12 planning visions adopted by the Maryland General Assembly in 2009. The annual awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact, and quality of life. ​ The annual awards are presented by the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) and are the…

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May 31, 2023
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