In Washington last week, Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and D.C. Mayor Tony Williams signed a “memorandum of understanding” to set up a council to in turn develop a strategy for improving air quality in the region. That very day, Ehrlich blocked Maryland State’s Attorney Joseph Curran from joining several other states in a lawsuit to reduce air pollution from power plants …

In Annapolis, Gov. Ehrlich also said no this week to Big Brother, prohibiting state police from using night-vision goggles to catch motorists who don’t wear seat belts. State police in Montgomery County had experimented with the military-style glasses to nab and ticket non-clicking drivers around Rockville …

Also in Annapolis, U.S. Rep. Ben Cardin organized a love-in at City Dock, where his candidacy to replace retiring Paul Sarbanes in the U.S. Senate was cheered and endorsed by Anne Arundel elected Democrats: Mayor Ellen Moyer; State Senators James DeGrange and Philip Jimeno; Delegates Joan Cadden, Virginia Clagett, Mary Anne Love, Pauline Menes; Councilwomen Pamela Beidel and Barbara Samorajczyk; Sheriff George Johnson; Alderman Josh Cohen …

On the Eastern Shore, Somerset County wants to find out whether a public ferry dock at Crisfield might be a better idea than a privately run operation. The Crisfield Times reports that the county will hire a second consultant after an initial study suggested that a public pier might offer advantages such as providing space for charterboats and other businesses. Planners are talking about fares of $32 to $40 each way for vehicles crossing to and from Reedville, Virginia …

Our Creature Feature comes from Silver Spring, where an old-fashioned weed control plan is making national news. Fifteen goats have been enlisted by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to help rid a Montgomery County Park of invasive species.

Park volunteers have enjoyed only modest success ridding the terrain of multiflora rose and porcelainberry, invasive Asian imports that can overtake and kill trees. Now Brian Schiner’s goats, South African natives themselves, are being trucked to work each morning from Mount Airy at a cost of $2,000, the Baltimore Sun reports.