AGP Executive Report

Chesapeake Bay Recovery: Maryland DNR says underwater grasses (submerged aquatic vegetation) expanded nearly 13% in 2025, adding about 4,600 acres in the state’s Bay waters and reaching an estimated 89,385 acres Bay-wide—progress toward Maryland’s restoration target. Public Health & Wildlife: A beaver attack at Cunningham Falls State Park left a 13-year-old injured; the animal tested positive for rabies, prompting a temporary swimming-area closure and rabies exposure guidance. Local Environment & Accountability: A Baltimore County delegate urged Dundalk property owners to appeal tax assessments tied to ongoing odors and pollution concerns from the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. Active Transportation Funding: MDOT announced more than $11 million in grants for bike, pedestrian, and trail projects across Maryland, including work on the C&O Canal towpath and connections to parks, schools, and main streets. Sustainable Community Designation: Maryland approved Harford County’s request to expand the Joppatowne Sustainable Community designation, unlocking state revitalization resources for eligible projects.

Parks & Land Conservation Funding: Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved more than $9 million in grants for recreation and land conservation across Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Worcester counties, including an Edgewater Recreation Center boost, upgrades at Wheaton Regional Park, a new Laurel park, and a 59-acre conservation easement in Worcester. Wildlife Habitat & Community Gardening: Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is set to celebrate 25 years of butterfly gardening with free, family-friendly events and hands-on activities on Sept. 19. Climate Science: A new study warns that melting Arctic glaciers can trigger a “doom loop” by flushing ancient methane from beneath the ice into glacier-fed rivers, feeding faster warming. Endangered Species Act: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service denied ESA protection to nine petitioned species, including the Chesapeake logperch, meaning no new federal habitat protections for them. Rural Conservation & Farming Support: Maryland researchers are promoting raptors like kestrels and barn owls as a natural pest-control partner for farmland, pairing wildlife conservation with integrated pest management. Local Energy/Resilience: Maryland’s broader push for cleaner, more resilient infrastructure shows up in stories about solar-and-battery microgrids used as disaster shelters. Data Centers Backlash: Across the country, opposition to data centers is rising over power, water, pollution, and grid strain—an issue Maryland communities are watching closely.

Wildlife & Habitat: Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is marking 25 years of its Butterfly Garden with free tours and hands-on activities Sept. 19 in Rock Hall, featuring a traveling insect zoo and monarch-focused exhibits. Local Jobs & Wages: Gov. Wes Moore announced a minimum wage increase to $18 an hour for BWI contract workers, plus emergency legislation aimed at extending wage protections to indirect airport workers. Endangered Species Act: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service denied ESA protection to nine petitioned species, including the Chesapeake logperch, meaning no new federal habitat protections for those populations. Community Grants: Keep Maryland Beautiful grant applications are open, with about $349,000 available for community environmental projects. Chesapeake Culture: A new look at Maryland’s skipjacks highlights how the working oyster boats became part of Chesapeake Bay identity. Peatlands & Climate: An Annapolis-area author event spotlights peatlands’ role in storing carbon in a new book, “Water, Carbon, Time.” Composting Future: A Maryland proposal would use human compost to grow a forest near Snow Hill, with zoning approval and a legal exception for food use limits.

Chesapeake Bay & Wildlife: A new Maryland spotlight on the skipjack—the working oyster-dredging sailboat that became a state symbol—ties local maritime heritage to today’s push to restore the Bay’s environmental integrity. Climate & Heat: A national report warns that rising summer heat is driving more extreme over-90°F days and pushing communities toward new coping habits, from public health alerts to cooling measures. Water & Pollution: Maryland’s water infrastructure continues to get attention, including a Bay-focused effort turning unused mitigation fees into a Chesapeake Bay restoration plan. Energy & Air Quality: Maryland regulators are weighing energy efficiency program cuts, raising stakes for how the state manages power demand and emissions. Biodiversity & Conservation: Maryland’s wildlife conservation work includes updates on native species protection, with DNR considering new reptile rules aimed at safeguarding biodiversity. Agriculture & Food Security: Federal approval of a treatment targeting citrus greening highlights how plant-health science can protect regional food supply chains.

Chesapeake Bay Wildlife: A new documentary, “The Last Osprey,” will spotlight troubling reproductive declines in Chesapeake Bay ospreys, where adults are returning but many chicks are failing to survive—an issue tied to food shortages and starvation—ahead of a free Sept. 24 screening in Lusby. Bay Water Quality Tech: Maryland is testing an algae-based river cleanup system at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, using controlled algal growth to pull pollution from the Anacostia while avoiding the oxygen-killing effects of harmful algal blooms. Local Environment & Health: Fall allergies are ramping up across Maryland as ragweed and other pollens extend the season, with state health officials warning pollen can worsen asthma and allergic rhinitis and increase missed school and work days. Outdoor Stewardship: Maryland’s DNR is opening more than 100 acres for regenerative farming, while a separate push highlights safe, legal rockhounding in Southern Maryland’s fossil-rich shore and stream areas. Energy & Homes: A Maryland utility and regulators are weighing energy-efficiency program cuts, while broader debate continues over gas ovens’ indoor pollution risks and the push for cleaner, more efficient home energy options.

Chesapeake Bay Wildlife: A new documentary, “The Last Osprey,” is set to spotlight troubling reproductive declines in Bay ospreys, with scientists pointing to food shortages and chicks dying from starvation. Water Quality Tech: Maryland is testing an algae-based river-cleaning system at Bladensburg Waterfront Park that grows algae to pull out pollution nutrients, aiming to reduce oxygen-sapping conditions tied to harmful algal blooms. Local Air & Health: Ragweed season is ramping up across Maryland, with state and federal health sources warning that pollen can worsen allergic rhinitis and asthma and contribute to missed work and school. Conservation & Species: A roundup highlights 10 endangered species in Maryland, including lesser-known wildlife residents at risk. Community & Environment: Baltimore has a new official city tree after a public vote, choosing the native tuliptree for canopy, resilience, and long-term stewardship. Policy Pressure: Harford County residents and officials continue pushing back against data centers over water use, air pollution from backup generators, and strain on the energy grid.

Urban Forestry: Baltimore picked the Tuliptree as its first official city tree in 50 years, replacing the long-maligned Chanticleer pear; the native, climate-resilient tree was chosen through public voting and is expected to boost canopy and stewardship. Chesapeake Bay & Farms: Maryland DNR is opening 111 acres for lease to regenerative farmers, aiming to improve soil health and support cleaner Chesapeake Bay outcomes through reduced disturbance, crop diversity, and rotational grazing. Wastewater & Enforcement: A Wicomico County septic worker was charged with illegally dumping sewage, adding to a growing list of enforcement actions tied to water pollution. Coastal Resilience & Shipping Safety: A Coast Guard review after the Key Bridge collapse warns that U.S. ports face rising risks as ships get larger and existing risk tools are underused, with implications for waterways across the country. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Maryland highlighted 10 endangered species residents should know about, underscoring how habitat loss and other pressures are reshaping local ecosystems. Local Governance & Data Centers: Harford County residents’ long-running push helped drive bans/pauses and tighter scrutiny of data centers in the Chesapeake region amid concerns about power, water use, and diesel pollution.

Regenerative Agriculture: Maryland DNR is opening 111 acres of state-owned land in Montgomery County for regenerative farming leases, aiming to improve soil health and support a cleaner Chesapeake Bay. Urban Trees & Climate Resilience: Baltimore retired the long-running Chanticleer pear and unveiled the Tuliptree as its new official city tree, chosen for resilience to climate, pests, and disease. Chesapeake Bay Planning: St. Mary’s County voted to bring Chesapeake Bay passenger ferry language back into its 2050 comprehensive plan, keeping the idea alive amid lingering questions about where a ferry could land. Pollution Enforcement: Maryland AG Anthony Brown charged a Wicomico County septic company employee for allegedly dumping sewage onto a wooded property, with investigators describing raw-sewage odors and active discharge. Wildlife at Risk: A new guide spotlights 10 endangered species in Maryland, including rare insects and aquatic wildlife, underscoring how habitat loss and environmental pressures are reshaping local biodiversity. Data Center Backlash: Across the Chesapeake Bay region, communities are weighing bans and moratoriums as opposition grows over water use, diesel emissions, and strain on the energy grid.

Regenerative Agriculture: Maryland DNR opened its first regenerative farming lease on state-owned land—111 acres in Poolesville/Montgomery County—under a 10-year pilot meant to improve soil health and support a cleaner Chesapeake Bay. Urban Climate Resilience: Baltimore named the Tuliptree its new official City Tree, replacing the Chanticleer pear after 50 years, as part of TreeBaltimore’s push for a more diverse, climate-ready urban forest. Water Pollution Enforcement: Maryland AG Anthony Brown charged a Wicomico County septic worker, Terry Handy Jr., alleging illegal sewage dumping into wooded land after investigators found sludge, an overwhelming odor, and witnessed discharges. Bay & Coastal Planning: St. Mary’s County planning language for a Chesapeake Bay passenger ferry returned to its 2050 comprehensive plan, despite ongoing concerns about feasibility and funding. Port Safety After Key Bridge: A Coast Guard review says U.S. ports face growing risks as larger ships outpace older waterways risk tools, urging better use of assessment methods. Chesapeake Bay Monitoring: Maryland DNR is also moving ahead with a new research vessel to strengthen monitoring efforts.

Data Centers in Baltimore County: Residents packed a public hearing to oppose large data centers as the county weighs a 51-page plan and nine regulatory recommendations; opponents warned about higher power bills, water strain, lost green space, and noise, while the report says electricity use is significant and tax revenue could help. Clean Water Funding: Maryland approved nearly $23M for Prince George’s County, including $11M for wastewater plant operations to cut pollution to waterways and the Chesapeake Bay, plus about $12M for water main replacements and upgrades. Chesapeake Bay Restoration via Mitigation Fees: St. Mary’s County will route about $368,111 in unused mitigation funds through a new partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to support tree planting and habitat restoration in the county. Heat Impacts: Maryland reported 59 heat-related deaths since May, with 2026 described as the state’s deadliest summer on record, as officials warn the toll could rise. Assateague Horse Safety: NPS says vehicle strikes have killed 36 horses on Assateague since 1982, and this summer’s deaths highlight ongoing traffic risks for the wild herd. Assawoman Bay Living Shoreline: Ocean City is seeking bids for a Northside Park living shoreline project with sand, rock sills, and marsh restoration to reduce erosion. Energy Efficiency Program Cuts: Maryland regulators are weighing proposed reductions to EmPOWER Maryland, a move that could lower bills but may raise future grid costs.

Transportation & Growth: Delaware is studying a “Diamond State Line” passenger rail route that could run from Wilmington/Newark south through Kent and Sussex into Maryland, with possible stops toward Salisbury or Berlin. Transit Upgrade: MARC is adding direct weekday “run-through” service linking Frederick and Montgomery counties to Baltimore (starting Sept. 28), cutting out transfers for riders headed to Baltimore’s Camden Station. Community Development Tech: Gov. Wes Moore expanded the Maryland Community Compass, an AI-powered platform that centralizes zoning, parcel data, and 2,600+ funding programs to help entrepreneurs and developers move faster. Local Environment & Wildlife: Maryland DNR is considering new rules for native reptiles like eastern box turtles and diamondback terrapins amid disease and illegal trade concerns. Stewardship Funding: Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants are open for 2027 community projects, with about $349,000 available and a Dec. 1, 2026 deadline. Pollution & Health: Residents say Darling Ingredients’ odor problem in Dorchester County is still going unaddressed, despite past state enforcement actions. Energy & Land Use: Maryland regulators are weighing approval of Worcester County’s proposed 18-megawatt solar farm near Berlin. Bay Research: Maryland is building a new Chesapeake Bay research vessel to boost DNR monitoring.

Rabies Alert: A kitten in Baltimore County tested positive for rabies, triggering at least one human exposure and urging anyone with possible contact to seek immediate medical evaluation. Energy Efficiency: Maryland regulators are weighing how much to cut EmPOWER Maryland, with utility proposals that could reduce bills by up to $9 a month starting in January. Transit Expansion: MARC will launch a direct weekday Montgomery County-to-Baltimore service on Sept. 28, cutting commute times by up to 60 minutes and eliminating the transfer at Washington Union Station. Data Centers & Power: A new wave of opposition to AI data centers is pushing political backlash, while Maryland’s own grid pressures are part of the broader fight over electricity costs and infrastructure. Air Pollution Regulation: Maryland AG Kwame Raoul joined a multistate push against EPA plans to loosen NOx rules for heavy-duty vehicles, citing asthma and harm to environmental justice communities. Wildlife Health Response: Harford County is rolling out an oral rabies vaccination program for raccoons after 22 confirmed cases. Clean Water Funding: Maryland’s Department of the Environment announced $23 million for clean water infrastructure and pollution reduction operations.

Air Quality & Health: Maryland AG Kwame Raoul joined a multistate push urging the EPA to withdraw a proposal that would weaken NOx pollution rules for heavy-duty vehicles, warning it could worsen asthma and harm environmental justice communities. Wildlife & Public Health: Harford County is launching an oral rabies vaccination program after 22 rabid raccoons were confirmed, using baited vaccine packets to curb spread. Chesapeake Bay Fisheries: Public hearings are set on possible limits to Bay menhaden harvest, with regulators weighing a reduction of up to 50% to address declining catches and impacts on predators like osprey. Water & Drought Impacts: Baltimore’s Prettyboy Reservoir boat ramp is closed to trailered boats due to low water levels tied to prolonged drought. Energy & Climate Policy: A federal judge blocked an attempt to enforce an executive order targeting birthright citizenship, while separate legal fights continue over how federal rules affect state choices—showing how court battles are shaping policy outcomes. Maryland Transit: MARC will add a direct weekday Montgomery County-to-Baltimore service starting Sept. 28, cutting commute times and reducing transfers. Science & Materials: UMD researchers report a zinc battery using chitosan made from crab shells, with strong performance over 1,000 cycles and faster breakdown after disposal. Conservation Funding: The Board of Public Works approved over $9 million for recreation and land conservation projects across several Maryland counties.

Paid Family Leave Launch: Maryland rolled out its long-awaited paid family leave program, offering up to 12 weeks for new parents, caregivers, or people managing serious medical needs—relief for families, but a new compliance load for employers. Data Centers, Local Control: Gov. Wes Moore signaled a tougher stance on the data center boom, saying facilities “do not get to write the rules” and arguing power should belong to residents and local communities. Baltimore County Moratorium: County lawmakers want to extend the data center moratorium for another year, even as the promised planning report still isn’t finalized. MTA Toll-Fee Shortfall: A new audit says the Maryland Transportation Authority failed to collect more than $818 million in tolls and fees it was owed. Chesapeake Bay Pollution Watch: After a $4.1 million settlement, muddy runoff violations reportedly continued into August at a Gunpowder River tributary site in Joppa. Fish Passage Reality Check: A look back at Conowingo’s 1991 American shad “fish lift” shows how hard it is to hit restoration targets—far below the goal decades later. Maryland Permitting for Poultry: The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced a simpler permit process for no-land chicken farms, extending nutrient plan cycles for low-risk operations. Wildlife & Hunting: DNR set 2026-2027 migratory game bird hunting season dates, and Maryland migratory game bird seasons begin.

Flood Resilience Funding: Cambridge’s “Make Cambridge Resilient” flood-mitigation plan for the Choptank River and Cambridge Creek is racing a December FEMA submission deadline, with up to $16 million in federal support on the line amid concerns over property-owner buy-in, missing data, and pushback over a proposed waterfront berm. Agriculture & Water Quality: Maryland Department of Agriculture is easing rules for “no-land, pasture-only” chicken farms by extending nutrient management plan cycles from three to five years for qualifying low-risk operations, aiming to cut red tape while protecting soil health and Chesapeake Bay water quality. Transportation & Climate-Ready Infrastructure: MDOT released a draft $21.9B six-year transportation plan (2027–2032) that’s essentially flat-funded, prioritizing safety and “state of good repair” over brand-new projects, while continuing must-fund work like the Purple Line and planning for Baltimore’s Red Line. Wildlife Monitoring Win: A newly documented river otter sighting in the Bronx River marks the first reported in about a century, highlighting how restoration and long-term monitoring can bring back sensitive species. Data Center Backdrop (Policy Pressure): Maryland’s statewide data center study timeline is slipping, and local opposition continues to grow as lawmakers and counties weigh impacts on pollution, traffic, and infrastructure.

Data Center Fight in Maryland: Maryland’s ratepayer advocate is challenging PJM’s plan to buy more power tied to projected data center growth, warning households could face up to $562 million in added costs over 15 years. Local Governance: In Anne Arundel County, a councilman is pushing to keep data centers out of zoning rules, while opponents argue national security needs complicate regulation. Wildlife & Habitat: Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage will host a free Magnificent Monarch workshop Sept. 26, including milkweed seed distribution and tagging activities. Community Science: Horn Point Laboratory’s free open house Oct. 10 will feature oyster hatchery tours, hands-on Bay-themed exhibits, and STEM activities. Clean Energy in the State: A public hearing is underway for a proposed 2.25-megawatt solar station in Princess Anne, with comments due Sept. 30. Public Health & Environment: A report warns extreme heat can make pesticide exposure more dangerous for farmworkers, increasing skin absorption and chemical harm. Coastal Living: Assateague Island is highlighted as a protected wildlife sanctuary split by the Maryland-Virginia border.