Serena McIlwain Archives

Maryland Department of the Environment revokes 1,400 lead paint inspection certificates issued by suspended inspector

Posted on August 2, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment is invalidating more than 1,400 lead inspection certificates across the state after a lead inspector failed to follow work practice standards, requiring that any affected rental properties be reinspected. The department announced this week that it is revoking certificates issued by Rodney Bryan Barkley, the owner of Green Environmental, LLC. Three children are […]

Maryland Governor Wes Moore Environmental Justice Executive Order 202507

Governor Moore signs executive order to advance environmental justice

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order over the weekend aimed at unifying the state’s approach to promoting environmental justice and addressing pollution burdens in historically underserved communities. The “Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion, and Community Equity” (VOICE) order is designed to foster a “whole-of-government” strategy, emphasizing meaningful engagement with communities disproportionately affected by environmental pollution. “Every Marylander deserves access […]

Governor Moore declares State of Emergency due to historic flooding in western Maryland

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Following severe flooding in western Maryland this week, Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency to bolster the state’s response efforts. The declaration came after the governor toured the affected areas in Allegany County, surveying the damage caused by torrential rains. “After surveying the damage and receiving updates on the work still ahead in Western Maryland, I’ve declared […]

Maryland Department of the Environment announces $1.7 million in community projects, progress on pollution reduction at Back River and Patapsco River Wastewater Treatment Plants

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ESSEX, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment, Chesapeake Bay Trust, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced grants for 21 community-driven environmental projects at two major wastewater treatment plants. The $1.7 million in funding aims to improve water quality, reduce pollution, and enhance green spaces. The announcement was made at Cox’s Point Park in Essex on Back River, where significant progress […]

Maryland Department of Environment announces $47 million in Clean Water Commerce Act funding for Chesapeake Bay health, economy

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland has announced $47 million in funding for 15 projects aimed at reducing pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) says the projects will use a “pay-for-success” model, incentivizing farmers and landowners to implement pollution-reducing practices. The projects will receive funding based on their ability to demonstrate cost-effective clean water solutions. These projects include shoreline […]

Governor Moore announces recommendations to modernize state permitting, remove barriers to employment

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Chris Montcalmo

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced preliminary recommendations from the Government Efficiency Commission to modernize Maryland’s occupational permitting and licensing processes. The recommendations aim to streamline vendor credentialing, improve permitting reliability and predictability, and eliminate employment barriers for all Marylanders. “Modernizing state government is not just a talking point for us — it’s a governing philosophy,” Moore said. “As we […]

Maryland Department of the Environment opens application period for grants to purchase electric school buses

Posted on October 29, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment is now accepting applications for $3 million in grants to purchase electric school buses, in a move to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grants will fund the replacement of diesel buses with electric buses. “As we build the green economy and a healthier future, our schoolchildren are a great […]

Vinegar company settles for $1.1 million over pollution from Baltimore facility

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Chris Montcalmo

BALTIMORE, MD—Fleischmann’s Vinegar Company has agreed to a $1.1 million settlement for unauthorized discharges of pollution from its Baltimore facility, according to a press release from the Maryland Department of the Environment. The settlement will require the company to conduct regular water quality testing in the Jones Falls, investigate the source of the discharges, and take steps to correct the […]

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