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Policy & Politics


News by Topic

Climate ChangeEnergyFisheriesWildlife & HabitatPollution & SolutionsPolicy & PoliticsGrowth & ConservationPeople & SocietyLocal Government
+2
Brown Grove, VA, seeks to become environmental justice case study

Brown Grove, VA, seeks to become environmental justice case study

Whitney Pipkin

Brown Grove, VA, seeks to become environmental justice case study
Pennsylvania sets limits on two ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Pennsylvania sets limits on two ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Jan 18, 2023
  • 0

Following through on a move begun more than three years ago, Pennsylvania has set enforceable limits on two “forever chemicals” found to be co… Read StoryPennsylvania sets limits on two ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Federal spending bill offers (smaller) lifeline to Tangier Island

Federal spending bill offers (smaller) lifeline to Tangier Island

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Jan 12, 2023
  • 0

Lawmakers from Virginia pushed for securing $25 million in December’s federal omnibus spending bill to fortify Tangier Island against climate change. Read StoryFederal spending bill offers (smaller) lifeline to Tangier Island

+3
New leadership in Chesapeake Bay states raises hopes for action in 2023

New leadership in Chesapeake Bay states raises hopes for action in 2023

  • Jeremy Cox, Timothy B. Wheeler & Ad Crable
  • Jan 10, 2023
  • 0

New Democratic governors with “green” pedigrees in Maryland and Pennsylvania are fueling environmentalists’ hopes of progress during this year… Read StoryNew leadership in Chesapeake Bay states raises hopes for action in 2023

Chesapeake Bay Commission names James River advocate as new director

Chesapeake Bay Commission names James River advocate as new director

  • Karl Blankenship
  • Jan 9, 2023
  • 0

The Chesapeake Bay Commission, a panel that represents state legislators from across the Bay region, has named Anna Killius as its new executi… Read StoryChesapeake Bay Commission names James River advocate as new director

+3
Appeals court vacates Conowingo Dam license

Appeals court vacates Conowingo Dam license

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Dec 21, 2022
  • 1

The long-running debate over how to deal with Conowingo Dam’s impact on the Chesapeake Bay is on again. A federal appeals court on Tuesday vac… Read StoryAppeals court vacates Conowingo Dam license

+2
Maryland’s first African American town faces a shrinking shoreline

Maryland’s first African American town faces a shrinking shoreline

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Dec 9, 2022
  • 3

Highland Beach, a historic black town in Anne Arundel County, MD, is washing away into the Chesapeake Bay, giving ground at a rate of more tha… Read StoryMaryland’s first African American town faces a shrinking shoreline

+2
EPA says PA’s Bay cleanup plan falls short, again

EPA says PA’s Bay cleanup plan falls short, again

  • Karl Blankenship
  • Dec 2, 2022
  • 0

The third time did not prove to be the charm for Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan, at least as far as the U.S. Environmental Protect… Read StoryEPA says PA’s Bay cleanup plan falls short, again

Pennsylvania passes emergency rule to trim smog and methane emissions at oil, gas wells

Pennsylvania passes emergency rule to trim smog and methane emissions at oil, gas wells

  • Ad Crable
  • Dec 1, 2022
  • 0

Pennsylvania has adopted new rules to bring down smog and global-warming methane emissions from conventional oil and gas wells. Read StoryPennsylvania passes emergency rule to trim smog and methane emissions at oil, gas wells

+2
Chesapeake National Recreation Area, after decades in discussion, heads to Congress

Chesapeake National Recreation Area, after decades in discussion, heads to Congress

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Nov 16, 2022
  • 0

A formal proposal to create a Chesapeake National Recreation Area is ready to move forward, according to advocates in Congress. Read StoryChesapeake National Recreation Area, after decades in discussion, heads to Congress

Tank that ran afoul of neighbors stirs change in Eastern Shore county

Tank that ran afoul of neighbors stirs change in Eastern Shore county

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Nov 15, 2022
  • 1

A county on Maryland’s Eastern Shore has moved to restrict the storage of a sludgy, poultry industry byproduct after the construction of an op… Read StoryTank that ran afoul of neighbors stirs change in Eastern Shore county

+3
Petitions, spills, empty coolers: Menhaden controversy broils in Virginia

Petitions, spills, empty coolers: Menhaden controversy broils in Virginia

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Nov 9, 2022
  • 0

Recreational anglers and environmentalists are ratcheting up their pressure on Virginia leaders to shut down large-scale commercial menhaden h… Read StoryPetitions, spills, empty coolers: Menhaden controversy broils in Virginia

+3
On 50th anniversary of Clean Water Act, much progress, but big problems remain

On 50th anniversary of Clean Water Act, much progress, but big problems remain

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Oct 18, 2022
  • 1

Growing up in the Washington, DC, area in the late 1960s, Eric Schaeffer remembers that back then the Potomac River was a place to avoid. Read StoryOn 50th anniversary of Clean Water Act, much progress, but big problems remain

+4
Chesapeake leaders pledge to step up progress toward 2025 goals but admit they won’t meet them

Chesapeake leaders pledge to step up progress toward 2025 goals but admit they won’t meet them

  • Whitney Pipkin
  • Oct 13, 2022
  • 0

Federal and state leaders currently steering a nearly 40-year effort to clean up the Chesapeake Bay acknowledged this week that they will like… Read StoryChesapeake leaders pledge to step up progress toward 2025 goals but admit they won’t meet them

+2
Judge puts Maryland forest clearing on hold

Judge puts Maryland forest clearing on hold

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Sep 16, 2022
  • 0

A developer’s clearing of one of the last large unprotected forests near the upper Chesapeake Bay has been halted for the time being after a M… Read StoryJudge puts Maryland forest clearing on hold

+4
Tangier Island may receive $25 million to help save its shorelines

Tangier Island may receive $25 million to help save its shorelines

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Sep 1, 2022
  • 0

A long-awaited, large-scale fix could soon move tons of earth to help save Virginia’s Tangier Island from disappearing beneath the Chesapeake Bay. Read StoryTangier Island may receive $25 million to help save its shorelines

+2
Maryland court upholds right to challenge forest-clearing plans

Maryland court upholds right to challenge forest-clearing plans

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Aug 31, 2022
  • 0

Residents and environmentalists fighting to stop a developer from clearing a forest in Harford County, MD, have won their day in court, but it… Read StoryMaryland court upholds right to challenge forest-clearing plans

+3
More concerns emerge for Pennsylvania's abandoned oil, gas wells

More concerns emerge for Pennsylvania's abandoned oil, gas wells

  • Ad Crable
  • Aug 25, 2022
  • 2

In 2020, an employee for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection smelled crude oil while driving to work in the northwestern p… Read StoryMore concerns emerge for Pennsylvania's abandoned oil, gas wells

+3
EPA to review Pennsylvania's latest cleanup plan for the Chesapeake Bay

EPA to review Pennsylvania's latest cleanup plan for the Chesapeake Bay

  • Karl Blankenship
  • Aug 1, 2022
  • 0

Pennsylvania officials hope the third time proves to be the charm when it comes to Chesapeake Bay cleanup plans. Read StoryEPA to review Pennsylvania's latest cleanup plan for the Chesapeake Bay

+3
With waters rising, Baltimore eyes $138 million plan to limit coastal flood damage

With waters rising, Baltimore eyes $138 million plan to limit coastal flood damage

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Jul 28, 2022
  • 1

With Baltimore facing increased risks of coastal flooding from storms as sea level rises, federal officials have put forward a $138 million pl… Read StoryWith waters rising, Baltimore eyes $138 million plan to limit coastal flood damage

Plan proposed to deal with abandoned boats in Virginia

Plan proposed to deal with abandoned boats in Virginia

  • Whitney Pipkin
  • Jul 15, 2022
  • 0

A Virginia agency now has a plan to tackle the growing problem of abandoned boats that pollute and impede the use of waterways in the state. Read StoryPlan proposed to deal with abandoned boats in Virginia

+3
Pennsylvania takes ‘historic’ action to fund clean water projects — and help the Chesapeake Bay

Pennsylvania takes ‘historic’ action to fund clean water projects — and help the Chesapeake Bay

  • Ad Crable
  • Jul 11, 2022
  • 0

The Pennsylvania legislature has approved using $220 million in federal money to create a new Clean Streams Fund to help reduce polluted runof… Read StoryPennsylvania takes ‘historic’ action to fund clean water projects — and help the Chesapeake Bay

Pennsylvania lawmakers move to limit fertilizer use on developed lands

Pennsylvania lawmakers move to limit fertilizer use on developed lands

  • Ad Crable
  • Jul 8, 2022
  • 0

After 12 years of failed attempts, Pennsylvania state lawmakers have passed regulations that will reduce fertilizer use on home lawns, golf co… Read StoryPennsylvania lawmakers move to limit fertilizer use on developed lands

EPA and Farm Bureau find common ground in Pennsylvania

EPA and Farm Bureau find common ground in Pennsylvania

  • Karl Blankenship
  • Jun 13, 2022
  • 0

A decade ago, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were squaring off on opposite sides of courtrooms Read StoryEPA and Farm Bureau find common ground in Pennsylvania

+2
Lawsuit seeks to halt large development on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Lawsuit seeks to halt large development on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Jun 6, 2022
  • 2

The dispute over a proposed massive development on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is back in court. Read StoryLawsuit seeks to halt large development on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Delaware county backpedals wetland protections as development pressure mounts

Delaware county backpedals wetland protections as development pressure mounts

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Updated May 17, 2022
  • 0

Under pressure from homebuilders, officials in Delaware’s fastest-growing county have approved new regulations for construction near wetlands … Read StoryDelaware county backpedals wetland protections as development pressure mounts

USDA announces 25% boost in Chesapeake spending

USDA announces 25% boost in Chesapeake spending

  • Karl Blankenship
  • May 9, 2022
  • 0

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday that it would spend an additional $22.5 million this year to help farmers install conserva… Read StoryUSDA announces 25% boost in Chesapeake spending

Nearly $48 million announced to help restore Chesapeake Bay

Nearly $48 million announced to help restore Chesapeake Bay

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • May 4, 2022
  • 0

Nearly $48 million is on the way to help protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay by underwriting a variety of projects across the estuary's 64,… Read StoryNearly $48 million announced to help restore Chesapeake Bay

+3
EPA ramps up clean water inspections in Pennsylvania

EPA ramps up clean water inspections in Pennsylvania

  • Karl Blankenship
  • May 3, 2022
  • 0

Pennsylvania’s failure to live up to its Chesapeake Bay cleanup obligations means farmers, wastewater plant operators and industries are more … Read StoryEPA ramps up clean water inspections in Pennsylvania

+3
Landowners seek clarity over Virginia’s living shorelines law

Landowners seek clarity over Virginia’s living shorelines law

  • Whitney Pipkin
  • May 2, 2022
  • 0

Some property owners along Virginia’s tidal waterways are concerned that a recent change in state law has muddied the waters for managing thei… Read StoryLandowners seek clarity over Virginia’s living shorelines law

Virginia debates impacts of solar panels on stormwater runoff

Virginia debates impacts of solar panels on stormwater runoff

  • Whitney Pipkin
  • Apr 26, 2022
  • 0

The new director of Virginia’s top environmental agency seemed to be stating the obvious when he said at a conference in late March that “wate… Read StoryVirginia debates impacts of solar panels on stormwater runoff

Pennsylvania to join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Pennsylvania to join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

  • Ad Crable
  • Apr 22, 2022
  • 0

After more than 2 years in legal and legislative battles, Pennsylvania is poised to become the twelfth state to join the carbon-cutting effort… Read StoryPennsylvania to join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

+4
EPA says Pennsylvania’s plan to clean up the Chesapeake still comes up short

EPA says Pennsylvania’s plan to clean up the Chesapeake still comes up short

  • Karl Blankenship
  • Apr 19, 2022
  • 0

Pennsylvania’s latest Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan still falls short of its assigned goals, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agen… Read StoryEPA says Pennsylvania’s plan to clean up the Chesapeake still comes up short

+6
Maryland lawmakers pass sweeping climate legislation, wave of environmental bills

Maryland lawmakers pass sweeping climate legislation, wave of environmental bills

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Apr 15, 2022
  • 0

After two years of frustration, Maryland environmental advocates have much to celebrate after the conclusion earlier this week of what one cal… Read StoryMaryland lawmakers pass sweeping climate legislation, wave of environmental bills

Maryland Democrats pass climate bill, setting up likely veto fight

Maryland Democrats pass climate bill, setting up likely veto fight

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Apr 1, 2022
  • 0

The Maryland Senate on a March 31 party-line vote passed sweeping climate legislation, setting up a political showdown with Gov. Larry Hogan, … Read StoryMaryland Democrats pass climate bill, setting up likely veto fight

+4
Virginia General Assembly delivers mixed results for the environment

Virginia General Assembly delivers mixed results for the environment

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Mar 29, 2022
  • 0

For environmental advocates, the just-concluded Virginia legislative session had its victories, highlighted by repelling a former Trump offici… Read StoryVirginia General Assembly delivers mixed results for the environment

American Rescue Plan boosts environmental work in Chesapeake region

American Rescue Plan boosts environmental work in Chesapeake region

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Mar 18, 2022
  • 0

When Congress hit the start button one year ago on a massive $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid measure, it also sent a surge of spending toward envir… Read StoryAmerican Rescue Plan boosts environmental work in Chesapeake region

+3
Water pollution inspections, enforcement hit 20-year low in Maryland, report finds

Water pollution inspections, enforcement hit 20-year low in Maryland, report finds

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Mar 11, 2022
  • 0

Enforcement of water pollution laws in Maryland has trended downward over the last two decades but  has nosedived under the Hogan administrati… Read StoryWater pollution inspections, enforcement hit 20-year low in Maryland, report finds

Funds approved to restore two Chesapeake islands

Funds approved to restore two Chesapeake islands

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Feb 7, 2022
  • 1

Plans to restore two vanishing Chesapeake Bay islands are on firmer ground now. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $37.5 million f… Read StoryFunds approved to restore two Chesapeake islands

+3
EPA declares ‘no confidence’ in cleanup plan for Conowingo Dam

EPA declares ‘no confidence’ in cleanup plan for Conowingo Dam

  • Karl Blankenship
  • Jan 28, 2022
  • 1

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said this week that it has “no confidence” that a pollution reduction plan written to offset the impa… Read StoryEPA declares ‘no confidence’ in cleanup plan for Conowingo Dam

+2
Patuxent commission shakeup follows development debates

Patuxent commission shakeup follows development debates

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Jan 25, 2022
  • 0

Back in 1980, Maryland lawmakers had become so concerned about the declining health of the Patuxent River that they created a commission to he… Read StoryPatuxent commission shakeup follows development debates

+2
Delaware climate plan trails neighboring states’ pledges

Delaware climate plan trails neighboring states’ pledges

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Jan 20, 2022
  • 0

Delaware Gov. John Carney unveiled in early November the state’s most comprehensive plan yet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the e… Read StoryDelaware climate plan trails neighboring states’ pledges

MDE chief put on defense in hearing on enforcement lapses

MDE chief put on defense in hearing on enforcement lapses

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Jan 19, 2022
  • 0

Maryland’s environmental chief vowed to make immediate reforms at his agency as he faced sharp questions Jan. 18 from state lawmakers frustrat… Read StoryMDE chief put on defense in hearing on enforcement lapses

After two years, consensus on oyster policy still elusive in Maryland

After two years, consensus on oyster policy still elusive in Maryland

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Jan 17, 2022
  • 0

It’s hard to come together over oysters in Maryland. Two years ago, seeking to get past seemingly endless conflicts between environmentalists … Read StoryAfter two years, consensus on oyster policy still elusive in Maryland

PA contends its new cleanup plan will meet Bay goals

PA contends its new cleanup plan will meet Bay goals

  • Karl Blankenship
  • Jan 13, 2022
  • 1

Pennsylvania, long criticized for its lack of Chesapeake Bay cleanup progress, submitted an updated strategy to the U.S. Environmental Protect… Read StoryPA contends its new cleanup plan will meet Bay goals

+3
Ahead on state agendas: Climate, environmental justice, Chesapeake cleanup funds

Ahead on state agendas: Climate, environmental justice, Chesapeake cleanup funds

  • Timothy B. Wheeler, Jeremy Cox & Ad Crable
  • Updated Jan 12, 2022
  • 0

As lawmakers in Chesapeake Bay watershed states convene in the new year, a variety of environmental issues are expected to come up for debate … Read StoryAhead on state agendas: Climate, environmental justice, Chesapeake cleanup funds

Chesapeake Executive Council changes leadership, reviews challenges

Chesapeake Executive Council changes leadership, reviews challenges

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Dec 20, 2021
  • 0

Michael Regan, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, officially took the helm Dec. 15 of the Chesapeake Executive Council, the boa… Read StoryChesapeake Executive Council changes leadership, reviews challenges

+3
Stormwater requirements come under legal challenge in Maryland

Stormwater requirements come under legal challenge in Maryland

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Updated Dec 8, 2021
  • 0

Two environmental groups are challenging new stormwater management requirements Maryland regulators have issued for Baltimore city and Baltimo… Read StoryStormwater requirements come under legal challenge in Maryland

Report: When MD chicken farms fail inspections, few face penalties

Report: When MD chicken farms fail inspections, few face penalties

  • Jeremy Cox
  • Dec 3, 2021
  • 0

A new report finds that Maryland state agencies regularly cite Eastern Shore poultry operations for pollution permit violations but rarely han… Read StoryReport: When MD chicken farms fail inspections, few face penalties

+3
In Virginia, a harder push to create softer shorelines

In Virginia, a harder push to create softer shorelines

  • Whitney Pipkin
  • Nov 22, 2021
  • 0

Not long after Sterling Rollings bought a 100-year-old cottage in Portsmouth, VA, on the Elizabeth River — his first waterfront property — his… Read StoryIn Virginia, a harder push to create softer shorelines

+2
Infrastructure law boosts Bay funding, other environmental needs

Infrastructure law boosts Bay funding, other environmental needs

  • Timothy B. Wheeler
  • Updated Nov 22, 2021
  • 0

The massive infrastructure bill President Biden signed into law on Nov. 15 will give a big boost in federal funding for Chesapeake Bay restora… Read StoryInfrastructure law boosts Bay funding, other environmental needs


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Upstream Challenge

Conowingo Dam

  • Appeals court vacates Conowingo Dam license
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