Maryland faces environmental challenges and policy decisions today, from water quality concerns to debates over future tax and redistricting measures.

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• Howard County councilmember seeks to close a loophole that allows 1-2 megawatts solar projects from receiving state or local scrutiny.
• Legislation would temporarily ban the approval of solar developments that fall into the 1-2 megawatt category.

• Nearly 630 state complaints about special education were filed last year in Maryland, among the highest rates filed in the country.
• The spike in Maryland falls in line with a national trend.

• Maryland advocates may push to extend the 'flush tax' beyond its 2030 expiration to continue funding wastewater treatment improvements.
• The tax has generated $2.3 billion since 2004 for Bay nutrient reduction, removing hundreds of millions of pounds of pollutants.

• Approximately 5,500 gallons of diesel leaked from a backup generator at the Baltimore County Detention Center over the weekend.
• Some fuel reached a tributary of Loch Raven Reservoir, though drinking water supplies were not impacted.

• Maryland's energy companies won a Supreme Court ruling entitling them to a $250 million sales tax refund from the state.
• The state comptroller is urging the companies to pass the refund to customers rather than retain the windfall themselves.

• A Washington, D.C.-based gourmet cafe will open at a former Starbucks location in Maryland.
• This expansion marks the cafe brand's fifth location in Maryland, with all locations currently in Greater Baltimore.

• Scientists plan to hold a press conference demanding the Maryland Department of the Environment address concerns about W.R. Grace's plastic pilot project.
• The group alleges the pilot program has caused negative environmental impacts requiring state regulatory review.

• A nor'easter brought strong winds, coastal flooding, and dangerous surf to Ocean City this weekend, closing roads and canceling events.
• Water levels continued rising Sunday, with conditions expected to improve Monday as the storm moved through the region.

• A national cannabis brand's Maryland assets are being sold at auction with a $15 million stalking horse bid.
• The sale offers a rare entry opportunity into Maryland's restricted cannabis market with limited licensing availability.

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