Maryland MDE News

Building Decarbonization Division Wins USGBC Award for Climate Leadership

MDE's Building Decarbonization Division received the 2026 USGBC Local Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence in Maryland. Buildings emit 15% of Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions and consume 93% of the state's electricity. The division develops regulations promoting clean heat, efficient cooling, and high-efficiency technologies like heat pumps.

MDE Approves Air Permit for Frederick Data Center

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has approved an air quality permit for Amazon Data Services, Inc. for emergency backup generators at a new data center campus in Frederick. The permit ensures generators will only be used during emergencies and includes continuous oversight under the Clean Air Act.

MDE Lifts Potomac River Shellfish Closure

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has lifted a precautionary shellfish harvesting closure in the Potomac River. Three weeks of water quality testing showed bacteria levels below detection limits, indicating no impact from a recent sewage pipe collapse.

MDE Composting Facility General Permit Public Comment Period Opened

The Maryland Department of the Environment has opened a public comment period for the renewal of its general permit for composting facilities. The draft permit includes enhanced odor control, drone inspections, and water protection measures. A public meeting will be held on March 24, with comments due by April 5.

Maryland DEQ Seeks Comment on Community Outreach Guide

The Maryland Department of the Environment is seeking public comment on a new draft guide for applicants seeking environmental permits. The guide aims to enhance transparency and communication with communities, particularly those near industrial facilities, and focuses on environmental justice. Comments are due by April 3, 2026.

Lead Paint Inspector Sentenced for Falsifying Certificates

A Maryland-certified Lead Paint Inspector, Rodney Barkley, was sentenced for falsifying lead paint certificates and operating a radiation machine without a license. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) also invalidated 1,400 certificates issued by Barkley, impacting numerous properties and potentially exposing children to lead poisoning.

Maryland DEQ and AG Obtain $360k Settlement for Diesel Fuel Release

The Maryland Department of the Environment and Attorney General's Office have secured a $360,000 settlement with D.M. Bowman, Inc., Day and Sons, Inc., and The Potomac Edison Company. This settlement resolves a complaint regarding a 2021 diesel fuel release in Frederick County, Maryland, and will fund the state's oil spill response capabilities.