Read more about the article EPA Puts Forward New Federal PFAS Mitigation Strategy
Environment / Transportation and Public Works
EPA Puts Forward New Federal PFAS Mitigation Strategy

The EPA has recently put forward a new federal PFAS mitigation strategy, which focuses on tackling PFAS across its full lifecycle.  Last week, leadership from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new federal strategy to address PFAS contamination nationwide. The effort focuses on the full PFAS lifecycle and is backed by nearly $1 billion in new funding for states to address PFAS in…

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May 26, 2026
Read more about the article Frederick Pollinator Initiative Connects Sustainability Goals With Local Land Stewardship
Agriculture / County News / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use
Frederick Pollinator Initiative Connects Sustainability Goals With Local Land Stewardship

Frederick County and the City of Frederick have officially earned the Bee City USA designation, joining a national network of communities that use local policies and land management practices to support pollinator health and ecological sustainability. While the designation focuses on pollinator protection, local officials say the effort also connects to broader conversations around land stewardship, habitat management, sustainability planning, and environmental resilience. Bee City USA affiliates commit to supporting pollinator-friendly practices through local government…

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May 22, 2026
Read more about the article State Initiative Targets Eastern Shore Climate Resilience Through Nature-Based Projects
A low marsh in Dorchester County. DNR photo
County News / Environment / News You Can Use
State Initiative Targets Eastern Shore Climate Resilience Through Nature-Based Projects

A new statewide initiative aims to help Eastern Shore communities adapt to growing climate pressures through investments in wetlands, forests, living shorelines, and other nature-based resilience projects. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently launched “Roots for Resilience: Strong Roots for a Changing Landscape,” a climate adaptation initiative supported by $42.5 million in federal funding focused on strengthening vulnerable Eastern Shore ecosystems and communities. From the press release: “Roots for Resilience will be a…

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May 21, 2026
Read more about the article Climate Resilience Summit Seeks Strategies To Prevent Small Business Displacement
Economic Development / Emergency Management / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Risk Management
Climate Resilience Summit Seeks Strategies To Prevent Small Business Displacement

As local governments continue investing in climate resilience, disaster recovery, and infrastructure improvements, a growing conversation is emerging around how those efforts can unintentionally contribute to displacement, particularly for small businesses in vulnerable communities. The 2026 Small Business Anti-Displacement Network Summit is seeking proposals focused on equitable climate resilience and recovery strategies that help small businesses remain rooted in place as communities adapt to climate pressures. The virtual summit, scheduled for Nov. 12–13, is co-hosted…

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May 20, 2026
Read more about the article Emergency Order Highlights Grid Pressure From Data Center Growth
Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works
Emergency Order Highlights Grid Pressure From Data Center Growth

DoE emergency order allowing PJM to curtail power use at data centers underscores concerns over grid reliability in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic. The PJM received emergency approval from the U.S. Department of Energy to temporarily reduce power use at data centers and other large energy users with backup generation during a stretch of hot weather across the Mid-Atlantic. The request came as the grid operator faced higher demand, planned spring maintenance outages, and tighter-than-usual reserve…

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May 20, 2026
Read more about the article The Briefing Room Ep 2: How PJM Shapes Maryland’s Energy Future
County News / Energy / Environment / Feature / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations
The Briefing Room Ep 2: How PJM Shapes Maryland’s Energy Future

In Episode 2 of The Briefing Room’s energy series, Dom Butchko sits down with Jason Stanek, Executive Director of Governmental Services at PJM Interconnection, to unpack the role of energy regions in Maryland’s power future.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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May 19, 2026
Read more about the article DNR: Blue Crab Population Up 46% From Last Year
Environment
DNR: Blue Crab Population Up 46% From Last Year

DNR's Winter Dredge Survey shows blue crab populations are up 46 percent compared to a year ago.  The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, a cooperative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, estimates a total of 349 million blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay in 2026, a 46% increase over the estimate of 238 million crabs last year. The survey also estimated 228 million juvenile…

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May 18, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part III
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part III

In Parts I and II of our analysis of HB 1532, the Utility RELIEF Act of 2026, we examined new requirements related to county permitting of residential rooftop solar and study language concerning future state action on siting large-scale energy projects.  For Part III, the focus shifts from what the General Assembly passed to what may still need to be clarified. Over the past two years, lawmakers have enacted several significant energy measures, including the Next…

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May 13, 2026
Read more about the article Florida Puts New Guardrails Around Data Centers
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning
Florida Puts New Guardrails Around Data Centers

Following energy challenges nationally, Florida's SB484 places guardrails on data center development. Florida has enacted a new law aimed at making sure data center projects fully absorb the expense of high energy usage, rather than pushing increasing utility costs onto everyday ratepayers. The new law, SB484, requires Florida’s Public Service Commission to develop rules for large electric users, including data centers, so the cost of serving those facilities is not shifted to residential and small…

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May 11, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part II
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part II

In Part I of our analysis of HB 1532, the Utility RELIEF Act of 2026, we examined new requirements related to county permitting of residential rooftop solar, including more detailed software mandates, caps on permitting fees, and new enforcement authority for the Attorney General.  In Part II, we turn to study language directing the Power Plant Research Program (PPRP), along with other state agencies, to identify certain sites for large-scale energy generation and energy storage. While Part…

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May 6, 2026
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