Andrea Saum Baker

The public informational hearing concerned the non-title wetlands permit application number 24-NT-2063/202461616 and title wetlands permit application 25-WP-865/202461616, submitted by Brad Chenowith for the construction of a single-family home, including a dwelling, driveway, and utilities, along with the maintenance and improvement of a tidal ditch. The applicant's representative detailed the project scope, noting proposed impacts of 4,048 square feet of scrub shrub non-title wetlands and 561 square feet of non-title wetland buffer disturbance related to the home construction, and 3,605 square feet of tidal wetlands disturbance related to ditch improvement. Mitigation for non-title wetlands involves a payment into the state compensation fund. Several local residents voiced concerns during public statements regarding the potential for increased flooding on adjacent properties due to the proposed elevation of the new home and the impact on existing natural water flow between No-Name Creek and the Eastern Bay. Residents also questioned the adequacy of the proposed stormwater swale improvements in mitigating flood impacts during high-water events.

This public meeting served as a comment session regarding an air quality permit application submitted by Amazon Data Services Incorporated for the installation of 92 emergency generators (2750 kW each), six smaller emergency generators (750 kW each), and one 250 kW emergency generator for the Frederick, MD Data Center Campus. The department presented its tentative determination that the permit meets applicable regulations. Key discussion points focused on the extensive construction, operating, and monitoring requirements, including continuous monitoring of selective catalytic reduction systems and diesel particulate filters for the larger engines. Due to Frederick County being a non-attainment area for ozone standards, facility-wide limits on oxides of nitrogen (NOx) were established at 25 tons per rolling 12-month period, triggering the requirement for emission control devices on the larger generators. The meeting detailed testing requirements, such as initial stack emissions tests for one-third of the engines, and extensive recordkeeping and semi-annual reporting obligations for fuel usage, operating hours, and emissions.

The meeting agenda focused on discussions related to the curbside recyclable and compostable covered materials list. Key discussion points included the proposed regulations surrounding this list, such as requirements for list publication and delivery timelines, and potentially including high-level material categories. Advisory council members provided feedback via a survey on the priority level for discussing scope numbers (1 through 9) and additional topics like service provider reimbursements and ecom modulation. Specific feedback addressed the handling of multi-material packaging and glass closures in the context of the list. The presentation also covered the impacts of the list on producers (ecom modulated fees) and service providers (requirements for material acceptance for reimbursement), as well as the division of responsibilities between the MDE, the producer responsibility organization, and service providers.

The meeting, identified as the third session for the ACC II and ACT working group, focused primarily on physical infrastructure, the grid, and charging infrastructure essential for the success of the clean cars and clean trucks program. Presentations were given by MDOT regarding EV infrastructure status, including registered EVs, growth rates, and charging port distribution. Discussions covered the impact of federal legislation (BBB) on EV purchases and projections. A significant portion addressed the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, detailing the $63 million in federal funds and the status of Round Two procurement, which saw high market response and focuses on corridor-based charging. Progress on Round One sites, with three broken ground, was noted, anticipating completion by early fall of 2026. The group reviewed projections for DC fast chargers needed by 2030, noting they are on pace, but revised projections for Level 2 chargers are necessary due to market shifts and increased state investment. The development of the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (EVIP), required by executive order, was discussed, with expected release in December or January. Further tools like a charger access and sighting tool for corridor and community charging are planned for release in the fall.

The meeting of the ACT2 and ACT working group included discussions on reviewing recommendations, with a plan to gather input through a survey sent to work group members. The team will compile these recommendations for the committee's review, aiming to produce a final report by December for submission to the governor and legislature. Updates were provided on policy and litigation regarding agency one and two, including Clean Cars 2 and Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT). The implementation and enforcement of these programs are currently paused due to ongoing litigation. The meeting also covered regulatory actions related to Advanced Clean Cars One, with updates on California's emergency regulation to extend criteria pollutant regulations for fuel-burning vehicles. There was also an update on the Advanced Clean Trucks needs assessment, with a plan to publish the study by December 1st.