Latest News from Senator Rosapepe's Office July 2026

Join us in Laurel for July 4th Parade and Fireworks

Looking to spend July 4th in the community? Come out to the Laurel Independence Day Celebration! The 21st District Delegation will participate in the parade that starts at 3 PM. There will also be vendors, field events, and a fireworks show at 9:15 PM. Go to laurel4th.org for more information.

21st District Delegation Gets 97% Rating from Maryland League of Conservation Voters

The League of Conservative Voters has released their yearly score sheet for the Maryland General Assembly. I am proud to announce that our delegation has continued to maintain our 97% lifetime scores. (Nobody is perfect! A few of us missed some votes.) Go to https://www.mdlcv.org/press/2026-scorecard-press-release for more details.

Reminder: Fireworks Are Illegal

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department encourages residents to attend approved public fireworks displays offered throughout the County, handled by a licensed fireworks professional. While certain types of fireworks may be legal in some neighboring jurisdictions, Prince George's County has banned the sale, possession, and use of all kinds of fireworks, including sparklers, by residents in hopes of preventing needless accidents and injuries.

Penalties for law violations include a fine of up to $1000 and/or six months in jail. To learn more go to https://www.princegeorgecountyva.gov/public_safety/index.php

Data Centers In Prince George’s County

Recently, I’ve gotten inquiries about the construction of data centers in Prince George’s County. I and the rest of the 21st District Delegation share your concerns on data centers’ impact on the environment and electricity billing. This is why my colleague, Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, introduced the Utility RELIEF Act, which my colleagues and I strongly supported. The Act places data centers under strict financial safeguards that will prevent consumer electricity rates from increasing. The new law also requires the state to prepare a comprehensive analysis on the environmental, energy, and economic impacts of data center development in Maryland. Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law this April.  We will continue to protect our district’s environment and safety as we learn more about the effects of new data centers on our communities.

The County Office of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement oversees the consideration process for data center projects in the county. Currently, the County Council is considering recommendations made by the Qualified Data Center Task Force earlier this year. On April 23, 2026, County Executive Aisha Braveboy issued Executive Order 10-2026, which extends the moratorium on data center permitting through June 30. Further questions on what will happen after that date can be directed to the office of the County Executive, County Council, and Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. The Task Force's final report and recommendations can be read here.

Plug-In Solar to Fight Climate Change 

Maryland continues to be at the forefront of exciting new environmental legislation. We passed a new law to allow you to use plug-in balcony solar energy systems at 1,200 watts or less. That's equivalent to four solar panels! If a device is above 390 watts, residents must notify their electric company and provide wattage and safety certification of their device. This may also require installing an automatic locking disconnect switch. Devices with power output of 391 watts or less are exempt from the certification requirements. Utilities are not allowed to impose interconnection fees, or require extra equipment from customers.

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network recommends that larger systems be installed by an electrician to meet legal requirements. They estimate that a plug-in solar system will pay for itself within two years of going online, and will continue to lower energy bills for at least 15 years after that. See here for more information: https://ccanactionfund.org/every-single-thing-in-the-utility-relief-act/

Contact me

Please let me know if there are other issues you have questions or thoughts about. And, of course, feel free to be in touch if I can be of help to you. Just email me at jim.rosapepe@senate.maryland.gov or call (410) 841-3141.