FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the State of Maryland
Emergency preparedness exercise scheduled for the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center
PHILADELPHIA –FEMA will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center. The exercise will occur during the week of September 14, 2026, to assess and improve the ability of the state of Maryland to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.
“These drills are held every other year to evaluate the government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said Andre C. McCoy, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone and the 50-mile Ingestion Pathway Zone in the state of Maryland.”
Within 90 days, FEMA will submit its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.
FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 2:30 p.m. EST on Friday September 18, 2026. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC. The meeting will take place in-person at:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis
At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing [email protected] or by mail to:
Andre C. McCoy
Regional Administrator
FEMA Region 3
615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program to ensure that people living near commercial nuclear power plants are adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident. The program also helps inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.
Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program responsibilities cover only “offsite” activities, that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. “Onsite” activities remain the responsibility of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Additional information on FEMA’s Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-
If you have questions, please contact the FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at [email protected].