Environment
Board of Public Works votes to expand park registration program
The Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved a plan for the Maryland Park Service to expand an online registration system for state parks and shooting ranges, and it OK'd a deal for Days Cove landfill to close, but not soon enough for some environmental groups.
Lawmakers seek answers on major sewage spill in Potomac River
Key officials involved in the cleanup of a massive sewage spill in the Potomac River testified Wednesday at a congressional hearing that they quickly responded after a pipe burst in January and that public health was never at risk.
Maryland reaches $4.1M settlement with homebuilder in sediment pollution case
Maryland inked a $4.1 million settlement deal with the developer, homebuilder and contractor of a Harford County home development blamed for damaging releases of sediment into the Gunpowder River, the attorney general’s office announced Tuesday.
‘It’s putrid!’: Glen Echo residents press officials after Potomac River sewage spill
Residents affected by the massive raw sewage spill into the Potomac River earlier this year shared ongoing concerns at a public meeting in Glen Echo on Monday night, including concerns about safety of the water and soil, and an ongoing "putrid" smell.
At Maryland’s newest state park, a story of Black resilience
Maryland's newest state park, the 1,042-acre Freedman’s State Park near Gaithersburg, honors the legacy of the Howard family, who owned the land after emancipation from slavery, and became major contributors to Black communities in Maryland.
How long will the Potomac River suffer sewage spill impacts?
The massive sewage spill on the Potomac River left a lasting impact on public perception of “The Nation’s River.” Now, researchers, environmental officials and other experts say environmental and health impacts could be felt into this summer and perhaps beyond.
Second thoughts? Maryland regulators put controversial gas line policy on hold
The Maryland Public Service Commission is delaying a policy that would make new gas customers pay the full cost of pipeline extensions to their properties, a proposal that had enraged natural gas companies. The pause concerns climate advocates.
Methane, federalism, and Earth’s fragile moment
Methane emissions are a real, but often overlooked, part of climate change, but anyone waiting for the Trump administration to act will be waiting a long time, write Vivian E. Thomson and Michael E. Mann. That's why state and local governments need to step up.
Chesapeake blue crab population drops 50%. The question is: Why?
The Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population has declined by about 50% since 2010, a new study estimates, and while invasive blue catfish are responsible for some of that worrisome decline, the main cause or causes remain a mystery.
As the weather warms up, the bugs that bite you are ramping up
Despite the very cold weather earlier this year, don’t expect relief from mosquitoes this summer, says University of Maryland professor emeritus Mike Raupp, who adds that we can expect spotted lanternflies to be back and that ticks might actually be worse this year.
Moore signs Maryland energy bill aimed at cutting power costs
Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed the Utility RELIEF Act into law Tuesday, ushering in a series of changes to the state’s energy markets that officials hope will lower customers’ electric bills in the months and years to come.
Moore brings gripes directly to electric grid operator PJM
For a year now, in press releases, letters, speeches and interviews, Gov. Wes Moore has had stern words for PJM Interconnection, the electric grid operator serving the state. But Monday, he took his gripes straight to PJM, which held its annual meeting in Baltimore.