Senator says deal close on fertilizer rules
Stakeholders are nearing an agreement on how the state will regulate fertilizer and phosphorous pollution. Sen. Paul Pinsky told the Senate on Wednesday that representatives of the agricultural and environmental communities, as well as members of Gov. Larry Hogan’s administration had been meeting to reshape fertilizer regulations. Pinsky spoke during discussion of his bill that […]
Panel votes to replace O’Malley’s pollution plan
A state Senate committee has voted to gut legislation implementing former Gov. Martin O’Malley’s phosphorous management plans, in favor of an amendment that establishes just two deadlines for meeting pollution management. In a 7-4 vote down party lines, the committee voted in favor of an amendment to Sen. Paul Pinsky’s bill, which recommended ways to […]
Hogan pulls back O’Malley regulations
A number of regulations set to be published and take effect on Friday were pulled back just hours into the new administration of Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.
Hogan could withdraw controversial manure regulations
A controversial set of regulations limiting the use of chicken manure on Eastern Shore farms as a way of controlling the amount of phosphorous that seeps into the Chesapeake Bay could be withdrawn under Gov. Larry Hogan.
Eye Opener: Cardin says he’ll try to undo sequester
A few government and politics headlines for Tuesday.
Department of Agriculture withdraws regulations after farmers protest
In a matter of hours on Monday, Eastern Shore lawmakers and farming interest groups went from outraged to satisfied with proposed state regulations.
Grant to help farmers turn waste to energy
COLLEGE PARK — Maryland chicken farms produce a substantial amount of phosphorous-rich chicken manure, which contributes to pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. One solution to the problem: Turn the poop into power. A new grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will bring $850,000 to Eastern Shore chicken farmers to install technologically advanced systems […]
Md. bill reduces phosphorus in commercial dish soap
ANNAPOLIS — Maryland has already reduced the amount of phosphorus allowed in domestic dishwashing detergent to reduce pollution. This year, lawmakers in Annapolis are working to reduce it in commercial dishwashing soap. The Maryland Senate voted 46-0 on Tuesday for a measure to limit phosphorous in commercial dishwashing detergent to 0.5 percent by weight after […]
Report: Chesapeake needs tighter phosphorous regulations
An environmental group is calling for tighter regulation of phosphorous, one of two key Chesapeake Bay pollutants. The Washington-based Environmental Working Group released a report Tuesday that reviewed soil tests for phosphorous in the six-state bay watershed. The report found that in one of every five counties in the bay watershed, more than half the […]