Dam Deal Faces Legal Challenge

A coalition representing Eastern Shore counties has administratively appealed Maryland's water quality certification for the Conowingo Dam, potentially derailing a $340 million settlement with Constellation Energy. The Clean Chesapeake Coalition contends that the negotiation process lacked transparency and excluded key stakeholders, leading to an agreement that inadequately addresses critical environmental issues like dredging.

Maryland's Department of the Environment defends the certification, emphasizing the agreement's benefits for Chesapeake Bay initiatives and Constellation's role as a major renewable energy provider. Officials state that discussions were confidential due to ongoing litigation and that public input was considered in 2023, leading to improved provisions for dredging studies.

The appeal could delay Constellation's pursuit of a 50-year operating license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. State officials warn that legal challenges risk halting crucial funding for environmental projects and could lead to the loss of negotiated improvements if federal oversight changes or if the license is issued without Maryland's conditions.