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Adam Willis

Adam

Adam Willis reports on climate and the environment across Maryland for The Baltimore Banner. He previously covered Baltimore City Hall for The Banner. He has also worked as a historical researcher in Washington, D.C., a freelance reporter for national magazines and a reporter covering state government, energy and the environment for the Fargo Forum in North Dakota.

The latest from Adam Willis

Maryland’s plan to cut emissions is even further behind than thought
Maryland has just five years to meet the first of its ambitious climate deadlines – a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031– but new analysis shows the state is lagging behind, thanks in part to President Donald Trump.
The Brandon Shores Power Plant is seen on the Patapsco River on a cold February morning.
Could the Chesapeake Bay freeze over this week?
As Maryland enters another prolonged cold snap, could pirouettes under the Bay Bridge be in the cards again?
In the historic winter of 1977, navigational aids were nonexistent or useless to pilots navigating ships.
Moore proposes another $100M in energy rebates, renewable incentives
Gov. Wes Moore's bill is expected to compete this session with a host of proposals from Maryland lawmakers, advocates and power companies hoping to steer a response to the region's mounting energy concerns.
Gov. Wes Moore at an energy announcement last year. Moore unveiled a $200 million energy plan Tuesday, about half of which will go to rebates on power bills.
The long journey home made a little longer by ice and snow
At Penn Station and BWI, travelers dealt with delays and cancellations of planes, trains and buses amid Winter Storm Fern. Not everyone minded.
Travelers wait to board their Amtrak train at Penn Station in Baltimore on Monday.
Baltimore raised its wastewater rates 15% last year. Revenue still fell short.
Baltimore’s wastewater system is over budget and underfunded, according to a new financial disclosure.
The Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant occupies a 466-acre site on the Back River in Dundalk.
As power bills surge, Exelon and Constellation spend big for influence in Annapolis
Exelon and Constellation are among the state’s top campaign donors — the second and third biggest, according to campaign finance records.
The 21-story, mixed-use Constellation Building serves as the headquarters of Constellation Energy and a regional office for the Exelon Corporation.
As residents fume over power bills, Maryland’s top utility regulator steps down
Maryland Public Service Commission Chairman Frederick Hoover was appointed to his role in 2023 by Gov. Wes Moore. He will no longer serve as the PSC’s leader, but will continue to be a commissioner.
PSC chair Frederick H. Hoover runs the Maryland Public Service Commission meeting on May 21, 2025.
Does Baltimore need a regional water authority? Local leaders to explore it (again).
The current water system is owned by Baltimore City, although it also serves several counties in the region.
The Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant occupies a 466-acre site on the Back River in Dundalk.
As the Chesapeake Bay changes, a Fells Point tackle shop stays the same
Tochterman’s Fishing Tackle, hallowed ground among local anglers, will soon celebrate its 110th birthday.
Owner Tony Tochterman stands for a portrait at Tochterman’s Fishing Tackle in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore.
A grim year for the Severn River’s ospreys could be an omen for the Chesapeake’s future
For the first time in decades, researchers on the Severn River in Anne Arundel County systematically documented the reproduction of the Chesapeake Bay tributary’s osprey. Their findings were grim.
An Osprey returns to its nest on the Patapsco River near Upper Marlboro.
Final county withdraws challenge to Maryland’s $340M Conowingo Dam deal
The deal between Maryland and Constellation Energy, meant to pave way for relicensing of the nearly century-old dam, faced opposition from a coalition of Republican-led counties on the Eastern Shore.
The Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River was built in 1928.
Maryland OKs expedited permits for Constellation natural gas plants
Utilities regulators agreed Tuesday to fast-track reviews of two proposed Constellation Energy natural gas plants as Maryland aims to bolster its power supply.
The 21-story, mixed-use Constellation Building serves as the headquarters of Constellation Energy and a regional office for the Exelon Corporation.
Eastern Shore opposition to Maryland’s $340M Conowingo Dam deal splinters
After a coalition of counties challenged the long-awaited Conowingo Dam settlement last month, Maryland officials have mounted an influence campaign on the Eastern Shore. Now, just one holdout remains.
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 — The Conowingo Dam is seen as the sun rises over the Susquehanna River.
Trump comes for the oysters, slashing budget of Maryland hatchery that produces billions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently slashed support for an Eastern Shore lab that has helped to seed an oyster resurgence in the bay.
Stephanie Alexander, manager of the Horn Point Oyster Hatchery, shows large tanks used to spawn oysters at the research facility.
Moore charts a new energy strategy amid surging costs and data center boom
Gov. Wes Moore signed a directive aimed at tamping down rising utility costs, and he blamed Maryland’s regional grid operator and President Donald Trump for the state’s energy challenges.
Power lines running alongside U.S. Route 29 in Ellicott City. To help address soaring energy bills, Gov. Wes Moore ordered a series of steps Friday to retool the state’s energy policies.
Maryland lawmakers override Moore vetoes on trio of climate and energy bills
The overrides come as lawmakers prepare for a legislative session next month in which growing energy demand and utility bills promise to dominate policy debates.
Transmission lines travel north from Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center, Constellation’s nuclear power plant in Lusby, Maryland.
Gas industry insider helped Moore administration choose its Public Service Commission members
An American Gas Association employee participated in the interview process for the top leadership roles at the state’s utility regulating agency.
PSC commissioners question Staff witness Roger Austin about a proposed transmission line project during a Maryland Public Service Commission meeting on May 21, 2025.
Backtracking ahead of veto vote, Moore funds study of climate costs
As lawmakers prepare to hold override votes on three climate bills vetoed by Moore last session, Gov. Wes Moore said he would fund a study into the damages of climate change in Maryland.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks last week at the Chesapeake Bay Program's Executive Council meeting. On Friday, Moore and Comptroller Brooke Lierman made money available for a study of climate change's costs to Maryland.
Eastern Shore counties challenge Maryland’s $340M deal to relicense Conowingo Dam
After Maryland leaders and Constellation Energy announced a $340 million deal to relicense the Conowingo Dam in October, a coalition representing Eastern Shore counties argues the agreement violated state law.
The Clean Chesapeake Coalition challenged a new environmental certification issued by Maryland for Conowingo Dam owner Constellation Energy, arguing that their closed-door negotiations violated state law.
That you Chessie? Maryland surveyors catch monster sturgeon in Eastern Shore creek
Despite Trump administration funding cuts, Maryland sturgeon surveyors had a big year.
Ashlee Horne, Benjamin Staud, Tyler Fowler and Tanner Broadwell show off Chessie, the 200 pound sturgeon they found in the Maryshope this September.
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