Maryland Department of the Environment

Maryland Department of the Environment Launches New Online Environmental Justice Screening Tool

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Resources and Tools

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner

In June 2022, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) launched an online tool (utilizing geographic information system (GIS) mapping software) to help users identify potential locations of environmental contamination, environmental justice (EJ) issues and/or environmentally overburdened communities.

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In June 2022, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) launched an online tool (utilizing geographic information system (GIS) mapping software) to help users identify potential locations of environmental contamination, environmental justice (EJ) issues and/or environmentally overburdened communities.

Continue reading →

Solar Technical Assistance Grants Available to State and Local Governments

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Maryland Energy Administration Partners with Maryland Environmental Service to Distribute $400,000

From Our Partners

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce the opening of the Solar Technical Assistance Program. This program provides technical assistance to state and local government agencies to evaluate the potential for, and to site, solar arrays on or around government buildings. Funded through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, the program also offers access to technical resources and vetted contractors.

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Advancing Stormwater Resiliency in Maryland

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Planning in Progress

What is stormwater resiliency and why do we need to address it? 

Figure 1 – Photo of urban flooding courtesy of Town of North Beach.

Urban flooding is a growing issue in Maryland.  The increasing number of extreme rainfall events that produce intense precipitation will continue to lead to more urban flooding events unless steps are taken to mitigate their impacts. 

The Maryland General Assembly recognized the need to address urban flooding with the passing of Senate Bill 227 (2021 session). The Bill tasks the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) with developing plans to evaluate current flooding risks and update regulations to improve urban stormwater flood management. In 2021, MDE released a report titled “Advancing Stormwater Resiliency in Maryland” (A-StoRM) that provides a roadmap towards modernizing stormwater management in Maryland. 

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New! Draft 2022 Proposed Water Resources Element Guidance is Now Available

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Planning in Progress

by Jason Dubow, Manager, Resource Conservation and Management, Matthew Rowe, Assistant Director, Water and Science Administration, with Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner 

Figure 1 – Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

The Water Resources Element (WRE) is required for local comprehensive plans in Maryland, as laid out in HB 1141 (2006). The WRE is designed to ensure that local plans for growth and development can be supported, given the limitations of local water resources, as well as the constraints of local water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

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Maryland Department of the Environment Accepting Applications for Light-Duty Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Installations

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From Our Partners

Using funds from the Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will accept applications for proposals on charging infrastructure until April 15, 2022.

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