AGP Executive Report

Innovation Funding: Gov. Wes Moore announced nearly $7 million in “Build Our Future” grants from the Maryland Department of Commerce, backing 11 projects to grow innovation infrastructure across sectors like clean energy, biotech, medtech, aerospace, robotics, cybersecurity, and AI. Water Quality & Wildlife: DNR completed a 71-acre native planting at Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary’s County, expanding riparian buffers to cut runoff into the Potomac and improve habitat. Microplastics Monitoring: Maryland’s AG Kwame Raoul joined other attorneys general urging the EPA to prioritize microplastics research and add more monitoring for public water systems. Cattle Biosecurity: The New World screwworm fly has been detected again in Texas, threatening the $113 billion U.S. cattle industry and prompting rapid eradication efforts. Local Conservation Wins: Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is set to open a new red panda exhibit designed for cold-climate comfort, with indoor dens and cameras for care and monitoring. Community & Health: A Carver Elementary Summer Bash in St. Mary’s County brought families together with food, wellness, and support resources.

Maryland Immigration Crackdown on Scams: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to coordinate state action against fraud, exploitation, and rights violations targeting immigrant communities, including legal services scams, workplace violations, housing issues, consumer fraud, and civil rights complaints. Native Plants vs. HOA Rules: A Columbia, Md. couple’s pollinator garden sparked an HOA fight, with the HOA demanding they remove the native landscaping and restore turf—highlighting how HOA crackdowns can reduce habitat for butterflies and other wildlife. Coal Funding Reaches Maryland: A new federal push using wartime authority would restart a Maryland coal facility and fund coal plants and an export terminal, underscoring ongoing tension between energy policy and pollution concerns. Heat Returns in Maryland: A warm, less-humid start is expected to give way to hotter conditions later in the week, with the chance of scattered thunderstorms. Garden Biodiversity Boost: A Kent County Free Seed Library is offering free seeds—especially native pollinator plants—to help residents grow food and support local biodiversity.

Invasive Species Threat: Texas officials reported the first New World screwworm case in decades, warning the flesh-eating parasite could spread and disrupt the $113 billion U.S. cattle industry—Maryland residents should watch for USDA updates as containment ramps up. Energy & Climate Policy: A new federal push uses wartime powers to send $700 million toward “clean, beautiful” coal, including a restart tied to Maryland—raising questions about air pollution and long-term energy direction. Severe Weather Impacts: Thunderstorms knocked out power for thousands across the region, including Maryland, and caused ground stops at major airports—another reminder to prepare for fast-moving storms. Local Nature & Community: Kent County launched a free seed library to boost home growing and pollinator-friendly biodiversity, partnering with University of Maryland Extension and local groups. Water & Land Management: Maryland’s Newtowne Neck riparian buffer expansion aims to improve water quality, continuing the state’s push for healthier waterways. Education & Governance: A Maryland school-board social media guardrails debate is resurfacing after a Baltimore-area case showed how unclear rules can limit action.

Severe Weather & Power Outages: Thunderstorms triggered ground stops at major U.S. airports and left more than 2,300 Maryland residents without power, including 1,196 BGE customers in Howard County and hundreds in Baltimore and Carroll counties. Storm Safety: A new guide warns drivers to avoid sheltering in cars during tornado warnings, urging immediate action to find safer cover. Livestock Biosecurity: Texas officials and USDA reported a reappearance of the New World screwworm fly, with a new case in a calf and a quarantine zone—raising stakes for the cattle industry. Energy & Climate Politics: President Trump announced nearly $700 million in federal support for coal, including a possible restart of AES Warrior Run near Cumberland, as the debate over clean energy funding and reliability heats up. Local Water Quality: Baltimore County moved to end “trash juice” discharges tied to the Days Cove landfill by pulling its permit. Wildlife Health: An Arctic gray whale story highlights malnourishment pressures as the warming seas disrupt feeding.

Air Quality Alert: Maryland’s Department of the Environment issued a Code Orange air quality alert for the I-95 corridor, urging sensitive groups to limit strenuous outdoor activity and consider masks. Coal & Power Policy: The Trump administration is pushing nearly $700M into coal power, including a plan to restart AES Warrior Run near Cumberland, while also funding coal plants and a California export terminal. Heat Impacts on Wildlife: New research finds heat waves can muddle animals’ thinking—hurting learning and survival—raising stakes as climate-driven hot spells intensify. Data Centers vs. Communities: A growing backlash continues, with lawmakers and voters pressing for limits as data centers strain energy and local water supplies. Bay & Wildlife Protection: A lawsuit seeks stronger protections for horseshoe crabs after declines in the Delaware Bay, warning that the species’ loss could ripple to birds that depend on their eggs. Maryland Leadership: After 30 years in environmental advocacy, Kim Coble announced her retirement from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters.

Coal Funding Push: President Trump is using the Defense Production Act to back coal power with nearly $700M for plant upgrades and new builds, including a possible restart of Maryland’s Warrior Run plant near Cumberland, while also funding coal export work in Oakland, California. Data Center Backlash: In Maryland-area politics, Sen. Mark Warner is advancing the “Power for the People Act” to stop data centers from driving up consumer energy costs and straining the grid. Landfill Win for Waterways: Days Cove Reclamation has ended “trash juice” leachate discharges into the Gunpowder River by pulling its permit, after years of pressure from environmentalists and Baltimore County residents. Sewage Overflow Relief: Anne Arundel lifted a sewer moratorium in part of its Baltimore-area suburbs after capacity issues eased, aiming to reduce the risk of sewage overflows into the Patapsco River. Air Quality Alert: Maryland’s Code Orange air quality alert covers much of the I-95 corridor, urging sensitive groups to limit strenuous outdoor activity. Wildlife Lawsuit: A national biology group sued over lack of Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs, citing sharp declines in Delaware Bay that also threaten birds like the red knot. Immigrant Rights: Gov. Wes Moore signed a 12-month statewide Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to coordinate action against fraud and exploitation targeting immigrant Marylanders.

Sewage & Water Quality: Anne Arundel County lifted a sewer development moratorium in parts of its northwestern area after wastewater capacity concerns eased, following peak-flow problems tied to aging pipes and rainfall that risked sewage overflows into the Patapsco River. Riparian Restoration: Maryland DNR and the Maryland Forest Service expanded the riparian buffer at Newtowne Neck State Park, planting nearly 32,000 native seedlings to boost shoreline protection from runoff into the Potomac. Park Access & Crowding: DNR is expanding day-use reservations at more popular state parks to reduce peak-season traffic and unexpected capacity closures, with new reservation sites added for summer weekends and holidays. Public Health: A new Maryland study found sewage overflows in homes can expose residents to fecal bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, underscoring the need for sewer and water infrastructure upgrades. Heat & Air Quality: Another round of hot weather is driving air quality alerts across parts of Maryland, with officials urging sensitive groups to limit strenuous outdoor activity. Community Stewardship: A Severna Park teen is promoting watershed stewardship through recycled-material jewelry and hands-on training with the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy. Policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month statewide immigrant rights protection task force focused on fraud, exploitation, and discrimination.

Coal & Grid Reliability: President Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal-fired power, using Cold War-era emergency authority to fund upgrades at 13 plants, restart a shuttered Western Maryland facility, and support a long-delayed Oakland export terminal—a move Maryland Gov. Wes Moore criticized as subsidizing “the last century” instead of cleaner options. Energy Infrastructure Pressure: Separate reporting flags rising electricity demand from data centers and PJM grid governance fights, with regulators warning the system may need major reforms or even a breakup. Air Quality & Heat: Baltimore-area forecasts include hotter, more humid weather and Code Orange ozone risk for sensitive groups. Drought & Farms: Wicomico County growers report dry conditions forcing extra irrigation and stressing crops and waterways. Solar Access: Maryland and Virginia passed laws letting residents use plug-in balcony solar to cut power bills, with Maryland starting now. Public Health Threat: The New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife. Local Pollution Concern: Residents in Curtis Bay complained about a fuel oil spill and lack of timely warnings.

Data Centers & Power Strain: Queen Anne’s County approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications while it studies impacts on utilities, land use, and environmental resources—part of a wider Maryland pushback. Grid Governance: Federal regulators are weighing reforms to PJM, the nation’s biggest power grid operator, as AI-driven data center demand strains supply and drives up bills. Coal Push (Maryland in the mix): Trump is expected to announce nearly $700 million using Cold War-era emergency powers to support coal plants and exports, including funding tied to a Maryland coal-fired power plant—drawing sharp criticism over pollution and taxpayer subsidies. Water Quality in Annapolis: The Whole Watershed Program unveiled two infiltration cells in the Severn River watershed to slow and filter stormwater runoff and protect oyster reefs. Local Pollution Alert: Residents in Curtis Bay reported a fuel oil spill and say they weren’t warned to avoid fumes before cleanup. State Parks Access: Maryland DNR expanded traffic-flow and park entrance tech, adding weekend/holiday day-use reservations at more parks. Invasive/Health Watch: USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in Texas, and CDC reports rising tick-bite-related ER visits.

Data Center Push Meets Public Backlash: Erin Brockovich launched the Brockovich Data Center map, urging Americans to track where AI-linked data centers are planned and built—highlighting concerns about water and energy demand. Maryland Water Stress: Drought conditions are still hitting groundwater and well water in parts of the state, even after recent rain; residents report low pressure and watch for voluntary restrictions. Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternflies are reemerging across Maryland, with officials calling them mostly a nuisance but warning about sticky residue and plant impacts. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas, triggering quarantines and sterile-fly releases—an alert for food production risk if it spreads. Local Cleanup Incentives: Baltimore County students earned grants by completing hundreds of litter cleanups, with results tied to protecting local waterways. Anne Arundel Sewer Relief: The county lifted a sewer-related development moratorium by borrowing unused wastewater capacity from BWI to keep projects moving while protecting the Patapsco River.

Chesapeake Bay Education: Virginia’s Dept. of Education named Boxerwood a regional “Bright Spot” at a Chesapeake Bay Program education summit, highlighting K-12 watershed learning across five states. Oysters & Waterways: Maryland lawmakers added $400,000 to the Horn Point oyster hatchery after NOAA cut funding; NOAA later backfilled more than $350,000, helping the hatchery keep producing for the Bay. Data Centers & Environmental Justice: A new report flags Maryland’s data center boom for raising environmental justice concerns, as communities weigh impacts from power and water demand. Energy Markets: A look at PJM’s capacity auction shows AI-driven data centers pushing up capacity prices that flow into electricity bills—raising costs for millions. Wildlife Health Threat: USDA says the New World screwworm has been detected about 25 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, with officials monitoring as it moves north. Climate & Ocean Life: NASA satellites spotted unusually blue-green coastal water off the Jersey Shore, tied to upwelling and phytoplankton blooms. Agriculture Under Stress: Maryland’s freeze response continues as state leaders issue directives and aid for farms hit by cold snaps.

Ocean Monitoring Fight: Maryland lawmakers vow to push back against a Trump plan to dismantle the $368M Ocean Observatories Initiative, risking more than a decade of lost ocean and climate data. Local Data Center Pressure: Howard County passed a moratorium on new data centers while it updates zoning rules, with a task force to study impacts before the pause ends in 2027. Water & Drought Watch: A Maryland drought update points to low streamflow and stressed groundwater (especially for well water), while some central reservoirs are closer to normal after May rains. Wildlife & Hunting: Maryland DNR released the 2026 managed deer hunt shooter-qualification schedule, aimed at safer, controlled population management. Invasive Pest Alert: USDA says a New World screwworm was detected in Mexico near the U.S. border, keeping livestock risk “very low” but raising vigilance. Public Health & Workplaces: A federal pest-tracking agency in Beltsville, Maryland, has been hit by bed bugs, prompting fumigation and staff disruptions. Energy Transition: Heat pump incentives are expanding locally, with programs helping offset installation costs and boost contractor demand.

Wetlands Under Threat: A new federal push to scale back wetlands protections is leaving local governments to fill the gap, raising alarms for Maryland’s marshes and waterways. Data Centers & Environmental Justice: Residents and advocates are fighting back against data center expansion, citing water, power, air quality, and added burdens on already overtaxed communities. Baltimore Waterways: A proposed move of a trash and recycling drop-off site near Jones Falls has reignited pollution and flood-risk concerns, with officials still searching for a better location. Chesapeake Bay Wildlife: Baby blue crabs are rebounding after years of decline, a sign of shifting conditions in the Bay ecosystem. Public Lands & Access: Maryland approved a $2.7M land purchase to expand St. Mary’s River State Park, boosting habitat protection and public recreation. Outdoor Events: Paddlefest returns June 6-7 at Janes Island State Park, with free admission and paddles across salt marsh water trails. Agriculture & Pollinators: USDA plans to close the Beltsville bee research hub, just as beekeepers face major stress from pests and disease. Invasive Species Watch: A flesh-eating screwworm was detected in Mexico near the U.S. border, keeping livestock risk low but monitoring critical.

Sewage Spill in Severna Park: A force main break sent about 16,200 gallons of sanitary sewage into Cypress Creek on May 31, with most contained on land; county officials reported “minimum impact,” lime and cleanup underway, and urged residents to wash after contact. Drought Update: Despite heavy rains in late May, meteorologists say Maryland’s drought is still persisting into summer, with Southern Maryland in severe drought and other regions only partially improved. Tick Surge: Tick activity is rising across the Mid-Atlantic, and ER visits for tick bites hit the highest levels for this time of year since 2017, with Maryland flagged among states seeing surges—experts recommend quick tick removal and yard-prep steps. Wildlife & Hunting: Maryland hunters harvested 5,094 spring turkeys in 2026, up 5% from last year, with Garrett County leading. Local Water System Oversight: A report says statistical agencies at the Suitland Federal Center have faced repeated temporary office closures due to unspecified water issues, underscoring ongoing water-management concerns. Policy & Environment Watch: Gov. Moore vetoed five bills, including one tied to hospice reimbursement rules, while Maryland lawmakers could still move to override.

Chesapeake Bay Invasives: Maryland anglers and chefs are pushing back on invasive blue catfish, a manmade introduction that’s now spreading through the region and damaging native shellfish and fish stocks—while also creating a “catch-and-eat” push to reduce numbers. Local Wildlife Safety: Maryland DNR is urging drivers to watch for turtles crossing roads during nesting season, especially near wetlands and wooded roads, and to move turtles only when it’s safe. Water Pollution Accountability: Questions remain after a jet fuel leak contaminated Piscataway Creek at Joint Base Andrews, with Maryland lawmakers pressing the Air Force over delays and incomplete information. Bay & Environment Policy: Maryland’s cover crop termination deadline was extended to June 5 due to wet conditions, aiming to protect soil health and the Chesapeake Bay. Housing Stability Data: Maryland was selected for a New America eviction data program to build reliable eviction data pipelines and better target help to keep people housed. Farm Crisis Response: Gov. Moore ordered a coordinated, urgent response to the late April freeze affecting crops, alongside efforts to secure federal disaster aid. Clean Transportation Politics: A second major Maryland environmental group endorsed a challenger to Sen. Nancy King, citing disagreements over clean transportation priorities. Credit & Budget Pressure: S&P revised Maryland’s debt outlook to negative, pointing to growing budget pressures—an indirect but real factor in funding environmental and public services.

Wetlands Under Pressure: As the federal government backs away from wetlands protection, Maryland localities are becoming the frontline—raising alarms about what gets filled, drained, or left unprotected. Agriculture Freeze Fallout: Gov. Wes Moore directed state agencies to respond to April’s statewide crop freeze, with Maryland wineries warning of major revenue losses. Chesapeake Access Boost: Anne Arundel County opened new overnight cabins at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, expanding public access and supporting education and research. Invasive Fish Pushback: Maryland is encouraging anglers to target invasive snakehead and other species, including through bounty-style “Reel Rewards” programs in Baltimore-area waters. Baltimore Bridge Litigation: Families and BGE reached settlements tied to the Dali collapse, while broader liability fights are still set to play out in federal court. Litter Crackdown: Maryland launched a new anti-littering campaign after spending about $17 million a year cleaning up roadways. Pollinator Science at Risk: A report warns that shutting down federal bee labs in Maryland could weaken support for beekeepers and the broader food system.