HEALTH ALERT: Residents advised to avoid contact with water in Back River

BALTIMORE, MD—Due to contaminants in Back River that can cause illness, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Health on Friday issued an alert advising residents to avoid contact with the water. The advisory contains the following recommendations: Avoid contact with Back River water Do not drink stream water Do not swim or wade in the […]

Board of Public Works approves $3 million in grants for clean water, Chesapeake Bay

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved nearly $3 million in grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis and Comptroller Peter Franchot. “These are smart investments to protect public health and prevent water pollution in Maryland communities and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Maryland Environment Secretary […]

Attorney General Frosh sues Monsanto for long-lasting harm from PCBs on Maryland’s natural resources

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Monsanto for the harm that chemicals the company manufactured have caused, and continue to cause, to Maryland’s land, waters, fish, and wildlife. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages and clean-up costs associated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, the suit alleges that […]

State of Maryland joins national Better Climate Challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Wednesday announced Maryland as the first state in the country to become a partner in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Climate Challenge. The “lead by example” partnership agreement, signed by Secretary Ben Grumbles of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), commits the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in state government operations […]

Intentional balloon releases banned in Maryland as of October 1

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Natural Resources on Friday reminded Maryland residents that a new state law prohibiting intentional balloon releases goes into effect on October 1st. The new Maryland law bans the releasing of balloons that, upon landing, create litter and threaten the health and safety of animals on the land in the […]

Governor Hogan announces $3.7 million for electric vehicle charging stations

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday announced that $3.7 million in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is being awarded to 37 sites using funds from Maryland’s settlement with Volkswagen for air pollution violations. “For more than six years now, Maryland has been setting an example for the nation of strong environmental leadership,” said Governor Hogan. “This is another important step […]

Attorney General Frosh, Environment Secretary Grumbles announce settlement with Home Free Lead Inspections

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles on Monday announced a settlement with Home Free Lead Inspections, LLC (Home Free) and two of its inspectors, Charles Gillis and David Gillis. The settlement resolves allegations that Home Free and the two inspectors failed to properly perform lead-based paint inspections, issued lead-free inspection certificates for properties […]

Maryland’s Styrofoam ban set to take effect on October 1

BALTIMORE, MD—On October 1, Maryland will become the first state in the U.S. to ban the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly referred to as Styrofoam. During the2019 legislative session the Maryland General Assembly passed a new law banning the use of food service products (e.g., cups, plates, bowls, trays, etc.) composed of Styrofoam. The law states that on or […]