Conservation Blog

Climate Crisis

  • Data Center Bills for MDGA2026

    Data Center Bills for MDGA2026

    Angie McCarthy Avatar

    Sine Die Updates: You can read our full press release on the end of session here! Crossover Updates Before Crossover, Governor Wes Moore and General Assembly leadership introduced the Utility RELIEF Bill, which is an omnibus bill that includes many of the energy and data center bills that we have been working on. Even if… Read more


  • 2026 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Priorities

    2026 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Priorities

    Angie McCarthy Avatar

    Updates: Bill Outcome Next Steps CHERISH (HB1287) Dead – read more here Work with MDE and coalition members to ensure that CHERISH finds a middle ground for next session CHERISH (HB1268) Dead – read more here Work with MDE and coalition members to ensure that CHERISH finds a middle ground for next session Bottle Bill… Read more


  • Data Centers are said to create jobs, but people need to know: what kind and how many?

    Data Centers are said to create jobs, but people need to know: what kind and how many?

    Guest post by Nature Forward volunteer Sheila Igoe…if you’d like to research, write, and edit educational materials like this, reach out! Photo via The Cyber Express Among the many controversies surrounding data center construction is the question of jobs–how many and what kind will be created during construction and operational periods? Empirical evidence shows that… Read more


  • Data Centers and Water Use

    Data Centers and Water Use

    Calvin Chrisfield Avatar

    The rapid expansion of server-based data management and storage, especially with the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) has spurred a major data center building boom. This growth has driven a concomitant demand for the land, electricity, and water needed for these new data centers.   Read more


  • What is PJM? Why Does It Matter? How Can You Help?

    What is PJM? Why Does It Matter? How Can You Help?

    Douglas McRae Avatar

    PJM is the regional transmission organization (RTO) for our area here in the mid-Atlantic. Originally responsible for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland (thus, PJM), it now manages the electric grid for the entire mid-Atlantic and parts of the Midwest. As explained below, PJM has enormous power over electricity rates and the availability of clean energy.  Read more


  • 2026 DC Performance Oversight Priorities

    2026 DC Performance Oversight Priorities

    Jamoni Overby Avatar

    The DC Council holds annual Performance Oversight hearings. These hearings are an opportunity to give feedback on how DC has been protecting the environment and addressing climate change. At the hearings, you can also help shape budgetary and policy priorities moving forward.   The schedule for 2026’s hearings is available here. You can sign up to testify through… Read more