AGP Executive Report

Renewable Energy Deal: Gov. Wes Moore announced a 20-year power purchase agreement that will double Maryland’s long-term renewable electricity from a western Maryland solar project, aiming to save about $300 million and supply enough clean power to cover roughly 15% of the state’s electricity portfolio starting in 2028. Outdoor Health & Air Quality: A mold and air quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor air pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, citing links between poor air and respiratory, inflammatory, and longer-term health risks. Wildlife & Rabies Alert: Maryland DNR confirmed a dead beaver found at Seneca Creek State Park tested positive for rabies after a 10-year-old was bitten; the park area near the attack remains closed while wildlife teams search for other sick animals. School Field Turf Fight: Montgomery County Public Schools is moving ahead with $55 million in synthetic turf installations, reigniting debate over health and environmental impacts versus lower maintenance and longer usability. Community & Food: Baltimore’s free Children’s Veg Fest returns Aug. 29 at the Weinberg Y, with plant-based cooking demos, youth entrepreneurship, and family activities.

Water & Public Health: Maryland Department of the Environment is awarding $40 million for water main replacements in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, aiming to cut breaks and improve reliability. Wildlife & Disease: Maryland is dealing with a new rabid beaver case at Seneca Creek State Park; officials say parts of the park stay closed while teams search for more sick animals. Lead & Infrastructure: Baltimore has joined a lawsuit over the TV Hill transmission tower lead paint mess, while city-owned bridges are still shedding lead flakes into the Jones Falls area. Outdoor Air: A mold and air quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor air daily and limit exposure when pollution spikes. Mosquito Control: The Maryland Department of Agriculture plans ULV spraying in Hyattsville on Aug. 20 after 9 p.m., with residents advised to avoid outdoor activity during treatment. Conservation & Parks: The Board of Public Works approved $4.6 million for trails, playgrounds, and land conservation across multiple counties, including stream-buffer protection tied to the Loch Raven Reservoir watershed.

Data Centers & Local Power/Water: Calvert County commissioners unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on accepting new data center applications, after residents packed hearings over impacts to power grids, water supply, and noise—following Amazon’s withdrawal of plans near the Calvert Cliffs nuclear site. Public Health—Rabies Risk: Maryland officials say the state isn’t facing a higher overall rabies threat than usual, but the recent spike in rabid beaver reports is a reminder to keep distance from wildlife and get pets protected. Wildlife & Safety: A beaver attack at Seneca Creek State Park left a 10-year-old injured; the area was closed while wildlife teams search for the animal. Chesapeake Bay Stewardship: ShoreRivers added Trey Hill and Chelsea Peters to its governing board, bringing more regenerative agriculture and watershed research firepower. Coastal Resilience: Scientists are racing to save coastal marshes as seas rise, with restoration efforts focused on keeping wetlands from drowning. Health—Candida auris: Maryland health officials highlighted who’s most at risk from the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris, mainly seriously ill patients in care settings. Local Growth Planning: St. Mary’s County moved its 2050 growth plan toward commissioners after months of public input, with work sessions and a possible public hearing ahead. Environmental Health Leadership: Talbot County named Rachel Leahy as Director of Environmental Health, overseeing programs from safe drinking water to rabies control.

Data Centers in Calvert: Calvert County commissioners approved a six-month moratorium on new data center projects, with residents pushing for stronger rules and even moves to revoke zoning changes that enabled large campuses. Chesapeake Bay Health: Maryland DNR and Old Dominion University reported better-than-average dissolved oxygen in July, with less hypoxia linked to drought-driven lower nutrient runoff. Assateague Restoration: Assateague State Park received $1.3 million for dune repairs, including maintaining dune crossings to protect habitat and keep visitors off fragile dunes. Wildlife & Safety: Assateague ponies are again in the spotlight after two were killed by vehicles this summer, renewing calls for safer driving in the park. Public Health: Cecil County health officials urged measles vaccination as cases rise nationally, warning outbreaks spread fastest among people not protected by MMR. Policy & Courts: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to relocate the FBI headquarters to the Reagan Building, citing limits on redirecting congressionally approved funds. Environmental Regulation: A state pesticide board proposal would tighten rules on chemical classes seen as threatening biodiversity.

Outdoor Air Health: A mold and air quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution levels daily and limit time outside when readings spike, noting both short-term effects (headaches, fatigue, breathing trouble) and longer-term risks from chronic exposure. Extreme Heat: NOAA says July was the hottest month on record for the Lower 48, with widespread temperatures running well above the 20th-century average—another reminder that heat is becoming more intense and more common. Data Centers vs. Communities: Harford County residents pushed back on a proposed data center near their homes, helping drive Maryland’s growing wave of local moratoriums and bans. Energy Affordability: Maryland consumer and environmental groups are asking regulators to reject BGE’s latest rate hike after record profits, arguing higher bills are hard to justify for a monopoly utility. Wildlife & Public Safety: Beaver attacks at Maryland state parks continue to raise rabies concerns, with officials still working to test a third incident at Seneca Creek.

Outdoor Air Health: A mold and air quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, citing health risks from short-term respiratory and neurological effects to longer-term heart and cancer concerns. Heat and Climate Signals: New NOAA reporting says the U.S. just logged its hottest month on record, with widespread extreme heat across the Lower 48—an ominous backdrop for Maryland’s summer health impacts. Chesapeake Beach Safety: Jellyfish stings are surging along the Chesapeake, with drought-linked conditions blamed for more nettles; beach patrols report thousands of first-aid calls. Wildlife Safety at State Parks: Rabid beaver attacks have triggered closures and restrictions at Seneca Creek and Cunningham Falls state parks, including a trail shutdown near Berryville Road after a 10-year-old was bitten; officials are searching for the animal and warning visitors. Bay Pollution/Lead Paint Litigation: Baltimore joined a lawsuit over alleged lead paint chip contamination from a 2022 repainting of the “TV Hill” broadcast tower, seeking cleanup and damages. Solar Expansion: STAG Industrial says it’s adding rooftop solar in Maryland and the region, including new community solar projects.

Heat and Air Quality: An air-quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, warning that poor air can hit everything from breathing and inflammation to headaches and long-term heart and cancer risks. Climate Records: A new NOAA report says July was the hottest month on record for the Lower 48, with widespread heat across the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains and Southeast. Bay and Water Safety: A Chesapeake Bay Journal report finds help for local governments on Bay-related work is uneven, with more than 120 technical assistance programs—but gaps in what’s offered and where. Chesapeake Pollution Reality Check: A PennEnvironment analysis highlights how sewage overflows can leave rivers unsafe, pointing to high E. coli levels in monitoring sites. Extreme Water Stress in Rural Maryland: Western Maryland residents in one community are rationing bathing as water bills soar to hundreds of dollars monthly. Education and Workforce: Charles County Public Schools won extra “Grow Your Own” grant funding to expand teacher pathways, including accelerated licensure for conditional teachers.

Outdoor Air Guidance: A mold and air quality expert says Marylanders should check outdoor pollution readings daily and limit time outside or boost indoor protection when levels spike, citing health risks from short-term respiratory strain to longer-term heart and cancer links. Heat Records: NOAA reports the Lower 48 just saw its hottest month ever, with widespread temperatures well above the 20th-century average—another reminder that extreme heat is becoming the new normal. Power Reliability: After repeated storms and outages, residents in Reisterstown say they’ve lost power seven times in about two months and worry utility upgrades aren’t keeping pace. Wildlife Safety: A 10-year-old was attacked by a beaver at Seneca Creek State Park; the bite area and nearby trail were closed while officials search for the animal, noting no sign of a rabies outbreak. Chesapeake Bay/Water Quality: Maryland’s progress toward Chesapeake Bay restoration goals is highlighted as the state nears major 2025 targets. Local Jobs & Tech: Gov. Wes Moore announced Cloudforce will expand in Prince George’s County, adding 250 jobs over five years.

Heat and health: Maryland residents report repeated power outages and say extreme heat is forcing people out of their homes, as the state breaks heat-related death records and communities struggle with reliability. Air pollution guidance: An air-quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure when smoke or poor air quality spikes. Chesapeake Bay update: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland hit nearly all 2025 Bay restoration goals, but some watermen dispute whether the numbers match what they see on the water. Data centers vs. communities: At the Maryland Association of Counties conference, candidates and advocates renewed the fight over hyperscale data centers—especially their water, power, and local impacts. Local water protection: Chestertown plans to resume and expand groundwater monitoring tied to an amendment affecting sentinel wells after detections of petroleum-related compounds. Stormwater concern: Howard County is investigating a reported lawn-care hose discharge into a storm drain in Columbia that residents fear could reach the Middle Patuxent River and the Bay. Wildlife safety: A 10-year-old was attacked by a beaver at Seneca Creek State Park; park areas were closed while officials search for the animal. Court ruling: Maryland’s digital advertising tax was struck down, with refunds ordered for big tech firms including Apple and Google. School policy: Wicomico County will go “Bell to Bell, No Cell” starting Sept. 1, aligning with Maryland’s phone-free schools law.

Outdoor Air Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when air quality worsens, citing health impacts from respiratory irritation to longer-term risks. Heat & Climate Signals: NOAA reports the hottest July on record for the contiguous U.S., underscoring how extreme heat is intensifying across regions. Wildlife Safety at Parks: A 10-year-old was attacked by a beaver at Seneca Creek State Park; park areas and a nearby trail segment were closed while officials search for the animal. Water Protection & Pollution Controls: Howard County is investigating a storm-drain complaint after neighbors say a lawn-care hose may have been routed into a drain that leads to the Middle Patuxent River and the Bay. Local Water Monitoring: Chestertown plans to resume and expand groundwater testing via a proposed amendment tied to earlier oil-spill monitoring, after detections of petroleum-related compounds in a sentinel well. Bay Pollution Milestone: Maryland says it hit nearly all 2025 Chesapeake Bay restoration targets, though some watermen question whether the numbers match what they see on the water. Drone Rules for Fair: The FAA set a “No Drone Zone” around the Maryland State Fairgrounds, with strict penalties for violations. Court Watch: Maryland’s digital advertising tax was struck down, with refunds ordered to Apple, Google and Peacock TV.

Chesapeake Bay Update: Maryland says it hit nearly all 2025 Bay pollution goals—100% for sediment and phosphorus, 99% for nitrogen—but some watermen dispute whether the numbers match what they see on the water. Legal/Environment Policy: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s first-in-the-nation digital advertising tax, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV, a ruling that could ripple for other states watching similar online-ad taxes. Water Quality & Local Runoff: Howard County is investigating a Columbia storm drain complaint after residents reported a hose from a lawn-care truck appeared to enter a storm drain, raising concerns about chemicals reaching local waterways. Wildlife & Public Safety: Seneca Creek State Park temporarily closed part of the area after a 10-year-old was bitten by a beaver; officials are searching for the animal and keeping nearby trails and parking restricted. Outdoor Health: An air-quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and take steps indoors when levels spike, especially after wildfire smoke alerts across parts of the U.S. Data Centers & the Bay: A Chesapeake Legal Alliance Q&A highlights how nondisclosure agreements can limit public knowledge about data centers’ water and energy impacts in the Bay region.

Heat & Climate Records: NOAA says the contiguous U.S. just logged its hottest month ever, topping the Dust Bowl-era record and underscoring how widespread extreme heat has become. Bay Water & Wildlife: The Atlantic menhaden fishery could face major cuts after concerns about osprey chick starvation and plummeting catches, with public input sought on harvest reductions in the Chesapeake Bay. Outdoor Health in Maryland: Vibrio vulnificus cases are rising in the Bay region as waters run warmer, and health guidance urges people to watch for cuts and get care fast if symptoms appear. Wildlife Safety Closures: Seneca Creek State Park partially closed after a beaver bit a 10-year-old canoeing at a camp; officials are searching for the animal and keeping about a mile of trail shut. Data Centers & Community Impact: A Chesapeake Legal Alliance Q&A highlights how nondisclosure agreements can limit public knowledge about data center water and energy use, while Maryland and nearby states grapple with the environmental tradeoffs. Mosquito Control Notice: Prince George’s County residents are set to see unscheduled ULV adult mosquito spraying Aug. 16 after 9 p.m., with precautions recommended during treatment. Local Governance & Pollution Risk: Howard County is investigating a Columbia storm drain complaint after residents reported a hose from a lawn-care truck appeared to enter a storm drain that feeds local waterways. Policy & Environment Adjacent: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s digital advertising tax, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and others—an outcome that could affect how future state revenue decisions get made. Air Quality Tips: An air quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and take indoor precautions when levels spike.

Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Deal: Maryland and Constellation Energy are moving forward on a Conowingo Dam settlement that includes a $340 million payment for environmental projects, after rural county leaders cooled their fight and shifted toward a more collaborative advisory approach. Data Center Pushback: The Maryland Green Party is stepping up its opposition to data centers, calling for a ban and rescinding tax breaks, while local residents in Baltimore County continue to challenge BGE work tied to new power-line plans. Heat Impacts: Maryland has set a new record for heat-related deaths, with the state reporting dozens of fatalities since May and most deaths among older residents. Climate Signals: NOAA says El Niño is strengthening toward a very strong event, raising questions about winter flood risk and emphasizing that timing of rainfall matters. Wildlife Watch: Coastal Bays scientists report a sharp drop in osprey nest success, pointing to ecosystem stress and declining menhaden. Public Health & Safety: An air-quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors during spikes, while a rabid beaver hunt continues after unusual attacks at Cunningham Falls State Park.

Wildlife Decline: Maryland Coastal Bays scientists say osprey nesting success has dropped sharply, with 10 of 15 active nests failing to produce fledglings, pointing to a broader eastern seaboard food squeeze tied to declining menhaden. Heat & Air Quality: NOAA reports the Lower 48 just hit its hottest month ever, while a mold and air quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor air daily and limit exposure when pollution spikes. Flood Risk Watch: El Niño is strengthening, with federal scientists saying it’s likely to be very strong this winter—though experts warn flooding depends heavily on timing, not just the event itself. Chesapeake Bay Progress: Maryland says it has nearly met 2025 Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals, setting sights on 2040. Public Power Fight: Baltimore-area advocates and Consumer Reports are pushing the Maryland Public Service Commission to reject BGE’s proposed $156 million rate hike as hundreds of thousands of customers fall behind. Health Alert: Gulf and East Coast states report rising Vibrio vulnificus cases, with officials urging people to avoid seawater contact with open wounds. Tech & Privacy: A coalition of states challenges a federal push to obtain sensitive driver data, arguing privacy laws are being violated.

Chesapeake Bay & Pollution Control: Maryland hit major Chesapeake Bay pollution-reduction milestones, with state leaders pointing to progress under the Bay Watershed Agreement and setting sights on 2040. PFAS Regulation: The EPA released draft guidance on reducing risk from PFOA and PFOS in biosolids, seeking public comment through Sept. 4 as states may turn voluntary recommendations into enforceable standards. Heat & Air Quality: NOAA says the U.S. just logged its hottest month ever, and a mold/air expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor air quality daily—especially during smoke events—and take steps to limit exposure indoors. Public Health Alerts (Rabies & Vibrio): Harford and Anne Arundel counties issued rabies alerts after a raccoon, fox, and a bat tested positive; meanwhile the Chesapeake Bay Foundation warns that warming waters are increasing cases of vibrio vulnificus, a “flesh-eating” bacteria risk for cuts and undercooked seafood. Energy & Grid: Maryland regulators approved a major transmission upgrade tied to retiring the state’s last operating coal plant. Data Centers & Community Impact: Chicago moved to tighten data-center rules on air, noise, water, and energy use—an affordability and health fight that echoes Maryland’s own growing pressure around power demand. Environmental Education: The Accokeek Foundation won $425,000 to expand hands-on environmental education for students in Southern Maryland.

Chesapeake Bay Progress: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland hit nearly all 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement pollution reduction targets, including 100% of sediment and phosphorus goals and 99% of nitrogen from 2009–2025, with updated modeling based on 2025 data. Public Health & Wildlife: Harford and Anne Arundel counties issued rabies alerts after a raccoon and fox tested positive in Havre de Grace and Forest Hill, plus a rabid bat found in Pasadena—residents are urged to report possible contacts. Coastal Safety: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation warns that “flesh-eating” vibrio vulnificus cases are rising as water warms; people with cuts should watch closely and seek care, and seafood must be cooked properly. Habitat Restoration: A $13.5 million USACE project at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area in Somerset County reused dredged Wicomico River sediment to create about 70 acres of tidal wetland habitat for marsh birds and to support the shipping channel. Local Jobs & Tech: Gov. Moore announced Cloudforce will expand at National Harbor, adding 250 AI jobs over five years. Lunar Ambitions: NASA’s moon base plans could boost Maryland’s Eastern Shore role via Wallops, with more robotic lunar missions planned through 2029. Data Center Pressure: Calvert County set a public hearing Aug. 18 on a proposed six-month moratorium on site plan approvals for data centers.