Environment Archives

WV Builds Data Center Strategy Around Growth and Local Revenue

West Virginia is pairing incentives for data center development with a statewide plan to distribute new revenue among host counties, infrastructure needs, and tax relief. West Virginia is positioning itself as a major destination for data center development, with state officials announcing two new projects valued at more than $81 billion. The announcements build on a broader push that state leaders say has generated approximately $96 billion in private-sector investment and more than 19,000 projected…

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September 8, 2026

Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works

New Analysis Projects Significant Renewable Energy Slowdown

Changes in federal energy policy slow renewable energy development and will likely contribute to higher electricity costs over the next decade. Federal energy policy changes could significantly slow the development of new renewable energy projects over the next decade, according to new modeling from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The analysis estimates that changes to federal tax incentives, tariffs, and offshore wind policies could result in between 390 and 540 gigawatts less wind, solar,…

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September 8, 2026

Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Transportation and Public Works

More States and Localities Adopt Rental Cooling Requirements

As extreme heat intensifies, states and counties are adopting new requirements to ensure rental housing has adequate cooling. As extreme heat becomes more frequent and dangerous, state and local governments are increasingly reconsidering whether access to working air conditioning should be treated as a basic housing requirement. Houston recently adopted rules requiring landlords to provide and maintain cooling in rental units, joining jurisdictions such as Phoenix, New York City, Dallas, and Austin that have established…

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August 31, 2026

Environment / Information Technology / Transportation and Public Works

Feds Set to Unveil Cyber Program for Water Utilities

Federal officials are preparing a new cybersecurity program to help water and wastewater utilities strengthen defenses against growing cyber threats. The federal government is preparing to launch a new cybersecurity assistance program aimed at helping water and wastewater systems strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks. Led by the Office of the National Cyber Director, the initiative is expected to connect states and utilities with private-sector cybersecurity firms. The effort is particularly focused on systems with limited…

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August 31, 2026

Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / NACo Achievement Awards / Transportation and Public Works

Montgomery County Award Winning Innovations Connect Communities and Build Resilience

Montgomery County earned national recognition for initiatives that improve how residents move through their communities, prepare critical infrastructure for disruptions, and help residents make informed decisions about their health and safety. Transportation is a major part of that work. In June 2025, Montgomery County implemented its Ride On Zero Fare Policy, eliminating passenger fares across Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and Flash buses. The policy aims to remove financial barriers for riders,…

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August 27, 2026

Environment / NACo Achievement Awards

From Solar to Smart Salting, Howard County Climate Solutions Earn National Recognition

Howard County earned national recognition for a wide-ranging collection of sustainability and resiliency initiatives addressing energy, transportation, stormwater, tree canopy, waste reduction, and the changing climate. The County’s award-winning programs demonstrate that climate work can take many forms. From major infrastructure investments to relatively small changes in the way residents heat their homes, maintain landscapes, or prepare for winter weather. One of their greatest efforts focused on expanding the tree canopy in Howard County. Through…

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August 27, 2026

County News / Environment / Feature / NACo Achievement Awards / Transportation and Public Works

Anne Arundel County Earns National Recognition for Resilience and Roadway Safety

Anne Arundel County earned two 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, receiving national recognition for innovative efforts to improve water quality and strengthen roadway and employee safety. Turning an Unused Parking Lot Into a Water Quality Solution The Lake Waterford Parking Lot Removal and BMP Retrofit earned an Achievement Award in NACo’s County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy, and Sustainability category. The project transformed an unused parking lot adjacent to the Lake Waterford Dam spillway…

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August 25, 2026

Environment / Transportation and Public Works

Maryland Achieves Nearly All of 2025 Chesapeake Bay Restoration Goals

State officials announced that Maryland has achieved or exceed nearly all Bay pollution reduction targets. Earlier this month, state officials announced Maryland has successfully met or surpassed nearly all of its pollution reduction targets set under the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement to improve water quality. Based on the most recent information from the Chesapeake Bay Program’s pollution model, Maryland achieved 100% of its sediment reduction goal, 100% of the phosphorus reduction goal and 99%…

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August 24, 2026

Environment / Transportation and Public Works

EPA Publishes New Guidance to Reduce Lead Exposure in Drinking Water

EPA recently released new guidance to help drinking water system operators reduce lead exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released guidance to help drinking water systems that are working to keep their communities safe from lead. This guidance advances the agency’s commitment to clear and plain language communication while sharing information, definitions, and useful examples to help water systems comply with lead pipe replacement requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule. EPA is releasing two documents, Access…

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August 24, 2026

Environment / Transportation and Public Works

EPA Opens $10.8M in Grants to Strengthen Water Sector Workforce

EPA has opened applications for $10.8 million in grants to provide access to workforce opportunities and build career pipelines in the water sector. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened $10.8 million in grant funding to support training for workers in the water sector. These essential workers play a key role in treating our nation’s drinking water and providing wastewater services that protect human health and the environment. Enhancing recruitment and training for the water sector…

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August 24, 2026