Environment Archives

Frederick County Teams Fire, Solid Waste Divisions To Tackle Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

Frederick County is bringing together its fire and rescue and solid waste teams to address growing public safety risks from improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries. The Frederick County Divisions of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) and Solid Waste and Recycling (DSWR) are launching a joint initiative to help residents safely handle and dispose of lithium-ion batteries, which can pose fire risks in homes and throughout the waste collection system. Lithium-ion batteries are found in everyday electronics…

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September 24, 2026

County News / Emergency Management / Environment / Information Technology / News You Can Use / Risk Management

Harford Taps Real-Time Weather Data To Strengthen Emergency Response

Three locations in Harford County have joined the Maryland Mesonet, giving county emergency officials access to more localized, real-time weather data to help prepare for and respond to severe weather. The network's weather stations, known as mesonet towers, measure conditions including temperature, wind speed and direction, rainfall, and soil moisture. Harford County Emergency Services can use the information to monitor changing conditions and make more informed decisions before and during weather-related emergencies. The statewide network…

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September 24, 2026

Environment

Maryland Weighs Impact of Changes to Federal Bay Policy

New federal executive order changes the framework for Chesapeake Bay restoration, prompting officials to assess impacts on funding and coordination. President Donald Trump has rescinded a 2009 Obama-era executive order that established a federal framework for coordinating Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. The new order directs federal agencies to focus resources on projects the administration considers most likely to produce measurable water-quality improvements and encourages states and local governments to reconsider stormwater management fees. Maryland officials…

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September 22, 2026

Environment

Bay Underwater Grasses Expanded Nearly 13%

DNR data shows expansive bay grass growth in 2025. Underwater grass abundance increased in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries last year. In Maryland’s portion of the Bay, underwater grass coverage expanded from 36,799 acres in 2024 to 41,419 acres in 2025, an increase of nearly 13% in a single year. Bay-wide, SAV acreage reached an estimated 89,385 acres – up 7% from 83,252 acres in 2024. The 2025 acreage represents about 36% of…

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September 22, 2026

County News / Energy / Environment / News You Can Use

National Waste Management Summit Heads to Baltimore This Fall

Local government leaders from across the country will gather in Baltimore this fall to discuss emerging challenges, strategies, and technologies shaping solid waste management, recycling, and sustainability. The Municipal Waste Management Association (MWMA) Fall Summit will take place October 26-28, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court in Baltimore. MWMA, an affiliate of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, brings together solid waste, recycling, and sustainability decision-makers from cities, counties, regional authorities, and agencies nationwide. This…

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September 16, 2026

Environment / News You Can Use

UPDATE: MDE Sets Public Hearing and Comment Period for Water Quality Standards Review

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has announced the next steps in its 2025 Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards, including a public hearing and formal public comment period on proposed regulatory changes. MDE plans to publish a notice of proposed action in the October 16, 2026, Maryland Register, opening a public comment period through November 18, 2026. The Department will also hold a hybrid public hearing on October 29 at 5:30 p.m. at…

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September 16, 2026

Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works

Deep Dive: A Primer on Data Centers

One of the fastest-growing policy issues facing county governments is the rapid expansion of the data center industry. Historically, data centers attracted relatively limited public attention and were often viewed as low-impact components of the broader digital infrastructure. However, as facilities have grown in size, increased in number, and expanded beyond traditional industrial areas, their impacts have become more visible to nearby communities and policymakers. At the same time, the General Assembly has placed increasing…

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September 16, 2026

Energy / Environment / News You Can Use

Maryland Clean Energy Summit Explores AI, Energy, and Innovation

Maryland’s energy landscape is changing quickly, and the intersection of artificial intelligence, infrastructure, affordability, and innovation will take center stage at the 2026 Maryland Clean Energy Summit, October 13-14 at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Hosted by the Maryland Clean Energy Center, this year’s Summit, “New Frontiers: AI, Energy & Innovation,” will bring together state officials, policymakers, utility representatives, energy experts, innovators, advocates, nonprofits, and industry leaders for two days of conversations…

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September 16, 2026

Energy / Environment

EPA Rolls Back Power Plant Climate Rules

EPA is rolling back power plant climate rules, with potential implications for local energy costs, reliability, public health, and climate planning. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is repealing Biden-era limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal- and natural gas-fired power plants and pursuing a separate rule that could restrict future federal regulation of power-sector climate pollution. The administration says the changes will reduce industry compliance costs, help keep existing power plants operating, and give utilities…

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September 16, 2026

Environment / Transportation and Public Works

Local Tools for Funding Climate Resilience

Local governments are exploring new tools to finance climate resilience as federal funding becomes less certain. As federal funding becomes less predictable, local governments are looking at alternative ways to finance climate resilience and strengthen their ability to plan for extreme weather. Below are three approaches that could help jurisdictions expand capacity and move projects forward despite tighter funding conditions. Layer Programs and Funding Sources. Rather than relying on a single grant or initiative, local…

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September 8, 2026