Public News Service

According to NOAA data, since 1980, the U.S. has sustained 376 weather and climate disasters with a cumulative cost of $2.6 trillion. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Van Hollen introduces federal 'climate superfund' legislation

New federal legislation would make polluters pay for the costs of climate change mitigation. On Thursday, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., introduced …

The Baltimore Tree Trust has planted nearly 17,000 trees around the city since 2008. (Andrew Kazmierski / Adobe Stock)

Community works to combat Baltimore heat island

With Baltimore City seeing record heat this summer, local groups are working to combat the effect of the city's urban heat island. Where …

Advocates want the Biden Administration to require ships to use low-sulfur fuels or zero-emission technology in U.S. waters. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates call on Biden administration to decarbonize maritime shipping

With the Port of Baltimore nearing a return to full commercial operations, advocates are renewing their call for an executive order to address …

Nationally, more than 9 million adults with asthma live in counties receiving a failing grade for at least one air pollutant, according to the American Lung Association. (Adobe Stock)

MD air quality highlighted during Asthma Awareness Month

May is Asthma Awareness Month and a report on air quality shows mixed results for Marylanders. The American Lung Association recently released its 25…

More than 700 students from colleges and high schools across the nation will participate in the balloon launches during today's solar eclipse. (Adobe Stock/AI)<br />

Maryland students to study eclipse’s effect on atmosphere

As solar eclipse spectators are gathering in the path of totality, teams of students from Maryland and around the nation are preparing to launch …

The Environmental Working Group said multiple studies indicate pesticide levels in the body drop when people adopt an all-organic diet. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Report: 75% of conventionally grown produce has pesticide residue

Marylanders shopping for fresh produce may want to consider a new report that finds chemical residues in much of the crop. In its 2024 "Shoppers …

Ellicott City flooding in 2016 and 2018 were both described as one-in-1,000-year flood events. (Cheryl Crumm/Adobe Stock)

Bill would require fossil fuel companies to help pay for climate impacts

Advocates are asking Maryland lawmakers to establish a superfund to help hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the costs of climate change…

Construction on a six-home development in Fairmount Heights began Oct. 13. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Affordable housing meets cutting-edge energy tech in MD's Fairmount Heights

By Kayla Benjamin for The Washington Informer.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Ne…

Data from 2021 estimated only 3.5% of organic waste generated in Baltimore was diverted for composting. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates see composting as alternative to incineration of Baltimore’s food waste

The founder of the Baltimore Compost Collective wants Baltimore to ditch trash incineration, fight climate change and grow healthier food. Marvin …

Ground-source heat pumps can operate in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD grid can manage transition to electric heating

A recent study shows Maryland's electric grid is well positioned to manage the transition to electrification as outlined in the state's climate goals…

Washington, D.C., Public Service Commission data from last year showed 1,260 gas leaks in the District, 3% more than in 2017. (Adobe Stock)

DC Public Service Commission puts Project Pipes on hold

Advocates are applauding the Washington, D.C., Public Service Commission's decision to pause a Washington Gas infrastructure rebuild known as Project …

Among the thousands of PFAS chemicals, many are used to make household or industrial products stain-resistant or nonstick. (Oona Tempest/KFF Health News)

'Forever chemicals’ found in freshwater fish; most states don't warn residents

By Hannah Norman for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Serv…

Global warming is impacted by atmospheric ammonia and nitrogen oxides, both from animal waste and fertilizers. (Adobe Stock)

NASA grant funds study on impact of farming techniques on greenhouse gases

NASA-funded research using satellites to study atmospheric nitrogen will examine how different farming approaches affect greenhouse gas emissions…

Community members fought to protect a playground after learning about a zoning proposal for a gas station, which would have required its removal. From left: Jeff Cronin, Al Powell and Paul Rowe. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Prince George’s County playground almost torn down to put up a gas station

By Kayla Benjamin for The Washington Informer.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Ne…

Current federal rebates for home heat pump HVAC installation total $8,000. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD must adopt air quality equipment standards to meet climate goals

A new report documenting the impact of fossil fuel-powered appliances on air quality makes the case that Maryland will need to take additional steps t…

In its poll of 1,200 people, the National Wildlife Federation found 82% of respondents said they are open to leaving fall leaves in place to benefit wildlife. (Adobe Stock)

NWF asks Marylanders to 'Leave the Leaves' this fall

As fall weather arrives, the National Wildlife Federation is making the case for Marylanders to take a new approach to leaf management. Fall lawn …

Researchers will examine how the urban heat island and aerosols contribute to heavy precipitation events. (Adobe Stock)

Yearlong study to examine atmospheric conditions over Baltimore

A climate study focusing on the atmosphere above Baltimore is in the works for next year. A team of 23 investigators from 13 research institutions …

Measurements of electrical conductivity indicating elevated salinity is affecting the soil hundreds of meters from visible salt patches. (Rebecca Epanchin-Niell)

Study: Thousands of acres of MD farmland facing saltwater intrusion

Researchers have found the amount of land affected by saltwater intrusion on the Delmarva Peninsula has dramatically increased in recent years…

The Environmental Working Group published a peer-reviewed study in 2020 estimating more than 200 million Americans could have PFAS contamination in their drinking water. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Proposed EPA Cuts Would Slow PFAS Cleanup

Environmental advocates said proposed budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency will slow cleanup of toxic "forever chemicals," per- and poly…

The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program was established in 1977. (Xavier Ascanio/Adobe Stock)

Maryland Adds 1400 Acres of Preserved Farmland

The Maryland Board of Public Works recently approved the preservation of several working farms. The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation …

Photographic evidence from the 1930s suggests that seagrass like that in this contemporary photo may have covered between 200,000 and 600,000 acres along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Seagrass Restoration Making Progress in Chesapeake Bay

A new report found some vital improvements in the Chesapeake Bay over the last few years. The Chesapeake Bay Program reported 76,000 acres of …

The report anticipates improvements in air quality will result in up to 1000 fewer cases of upper and lower respiratory symptoms. (Adobe Stock)

Report Estimates 16K New Jobs Possible via Climate Pathway

A new report provides a road map for how Maryland can achieve its climate goals, and officials want to hear from the public. Maryland's Climate …

In March, Gov. Wes Moore announced Maryland would adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II standard. <br />(Adobe Stock)

$900 Billion in Health Benefits Likely from EV, Green Energy Adoption

With air quality in the news of late, a new report found transitioning to electric vehicles would bring major public health benefits. The American …

Maryland maintains an air monitoring network of 24 sites through the state, measuring ground level concentrations of six common pollutants. (Jennifer J. Taylor/Adobe Stock)

Wildfire Smoke Produces Worst MD Air Quality in Decades

As smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts over the state, researchers from the University of Maryland are flying into the smoke plumes to measure …

The Pentagon is currently considering alternatives to firefighting foam containing PFAS. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Analysis: Pentagon PFAS Cleanup Backlog Growing Faster than Funding

A new analysis from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group said the Department of Defense is not doing enough to clean up contaminated military ins…

Nationally, more than one in three Americans live in counties that had unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. (Adobe Stock)

State of the Air Report Shows Mixed Results for Air Quality in Maryland

A new report found a mix of good and bad findings for air quality in Maryland. The American Lung Association recently released its annual State of …

One method of tracking migrating monarch population size is measuring the amount of acreage on which they overwinter in Mexico. (Adobe Stock)

Monarch Week Highlights Butterfly Population Decline

This is Monarch Week, and environmental advocates are calling attention to the plight of the monarch butterfly. Monarchs are considered essential …

The Inflation Reduction Act extended the $7,500-per-vehicle tax credit through 2032. (Adobe Stock)

Could Churches be Prime Locations for EV Charging Stations?

By Amethyst Holmes for Religion News Service.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Net…

A new EPA rule will limit inhalable particles with diameters of 10 micrometers and smaller. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Finalizing New Air Quality Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of finalizing a new rule to improve air quality in America. The proposal will lower the amount …

In addition to helping capture carbon in the soil, no-till farming practices with seasonal cover crops help preserve soil nutrients and prevent erosion. (Margaret Burlingham / Adobe Stock)

U.S. Carbon Farming Takes Root, but Do Economics Add Up?

By Carey L. Biron for Context.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Context/Solutions Journalism Network/…

A new report states home repairs and electrification offer enormous local job growth opportunities. (Charles Taylor/Adobe Stock)

Study: MD Needs to Repair Thousands of Homes to Meet Climate Goals

A new report found Maryland will need to repair hundreds of thousands of homes occupied by low and middle-income people in order to meet its climate g…

Last year saw the certification of LEED projects pass 100,000 globally. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Maryland Improves on Green Building Ranking

Maryland ranks fifth in the nation on a new report on green building in the U.S. The U.S. Green Building Council released its annual rankings of …

Maryland to Build Automated Weather Station Network

The state of Maryland is building an automated network of weather stations to help with forecasting and emergency alerts. The state and the …

A new report showed fully funding the pollution-reduction efforts needed to restore the bay would add $655 million annually to the regional economy. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Maryland Could See Economic Benefit from Farm Conservation Practices

A new study out this week reports Maryland could realize economic benefits from agricultural conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region…

Green roofs can help address stormwater runoff concerns such as flooding. In recent years, hurricanes, tropical storms and increased heavy rainfall have hit Marylanders with extensive<br />flooding problems. (Adobe Stock)

MD Communities Win 'Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns' Grant

Communities in Maryland have been awarded portions of a $1 million grant to support infrastructure projects such as improving local waterway health an…

A lack of neighborhood trees can contribute to

Improving Urban Tree-Canopy Equity a Community Collaboration

By Patrick Dunn for Planet Detroit.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Maryland News Connection with support from the Solutions Journalism Network S…

Urban heat islands are areas that can be up to 20 degrees hotter than nearby neighborhoods due to factors like buildings, pavement, and lack of tree cover that can amplify high temperatures. (Adobe Stock)

MD's Montgomery County Conducts Urban Heat-Mapping Project

Maryland's most populous county is embarking on an urban heat-mapping project to better understand neighborhood heat inequities, which can affect …

Maryland lawmakers recently passed the Climate Solutions Now Act. It commits the state to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions 60% by 2031, expand clean energy use, and invest in underserved communities. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Baltimore Lags Behind Cities in Solar-Power Installations

The amount of solar power installed in just nine U.S. cities exceeds the amount installed in the entire country 10 years ago, a new report finds…

A litter trap has been installed in the Lockridge Drive Tributary. In 2021, Anacostia Riverkeeper and volunteers collected 12,440 pounds of trash from the shoreline and neighboring tributaries. (Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Trust)

Montgomery County Installs 'Litter Trap' to Keep Trash Out of Waterways

Montgomery County has installed its first-ever "litter trap," which will capture trash and debris and prevent it from flowing downstream into the Anac…

According to the 2020 Yale Climate Opinion Maps, 72% of adult Marylanders think global warming is happening and 69% are worried about it. (Adobe Stock)

'Climate Solutions Now Act' Heads to Gov. Hogan's Desk

The Maryland General Assembly has passed legislation that, if signed into law, would strengthen the state's commitment to reducing greenhouse-gas …

Maryland is a leader in the regenerative farming push through its Million Acre Challenge, a goal to convert half of Maryland's agricultural land to healthy soil by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Fighting Chesapeake Bay Pollution through Regenerative Farming

Chesapeake Bay states have until 2025 to implement watershed pollution-reduction practices, and a new report shows "climate-smart" farming in …

PFAS chemicals also have been found in firefighters' protective equipment, known as turnout gear. (Adobe Stock)

MD Bill Would Ban Sale, Use of Products Containing PFAS Chemicals

Maryland lawmakers and firefighters are pushing legislation to lower the risks of exposure to PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals found in many products…

MD Groups Press for Action on “Forever Chemicals”

With the Maryland General Assembly set to start next week, environmental groups are urging lawmakers to regulate toxic chemicals, after a new report …

World leaders at COP26 in Scotland, including President Joe Biden, secured pacts to reduce methane emissions worldwide. (Number 10/Flickr)<br />

MD Leaders at World Climate Summit Push for Action at Home

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland lawmakers are traveling to the annual international climate conference in Glasgow, and they're pushing the U.S. to take …

A new survey finds 90% of Latinos support creating new national parks and wildlife refuges across the nation to provide areas for outdoor recreation. (Adobe stock)

Report: Majority of Latinos Back Funding Chesapeake Bay Recovery

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- With more Latino voters expressing concern about climate change, a new report found a majority of Latinos in the Chesapeake Bay …

Over the past 30 years, nutrient and sediment pollution has been reduced by half in Chesapeake Bay, but more needs to be done to meet federal cleanup goals for the watershed. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Farm Bureaus Urge USDA to Back New Chesapeake Cleanup Plan

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Farm bureaus and agricultural leaders of Chesapeake Bay watershed states are pushing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund a …

About 25 species of mussels live in the freshwater rivers and streams that flow into Chesapeake Bay. (Flickr)

Report: Mussel Restoration Essential for Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Freshwater mussels are key to keeping the Chesapeake Bay watershed clean, and with more than half of all species now facing …

A recent report shows PFAS levels greater than the EPA health advisory level in water treatment plants for Westminster and Hampstead, Md. (Adobe stock)

U.S. Bill on Toxic "Forever Chemicals" Could Help Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A bill to tackle contamination from so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) is …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 20, 2024

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MD: Environment