At the MACo Winter Conference, attendees heard from legal experts on the challenges counties face regarding energy development.
The push for renewable energy has been a priority in Maryland for decades, with various stakeholders representing mutual and differentiated interests. The balancing of shared interests has become increasingly more complicated with the deadline for Maryland to meet mandated energy goals quickly approaching. At the same time, the demand for more energy is being driven by advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence and other energy-dependent services.
The Honorable Brian Feldman, Maryland State Senate, led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the Who Holds the Power? Balancing Renewable Energy Interests general session at the 2024 MACo Winter Conference.
@WorcesterCounty explains what #OffShoreWind will do to Maryland’s coast and natural view scape. pic.twitter.com/e5iuQTG8UK
— Dominic J. Butchko (@DomButchko_MACo) December 12, 2024
Panel speakers included:
- Roscoe Leslie – Worcester County Attorney
- Thomas Yeager – Kent County Attorney
- Stewart Barroll – Caroline County Attorney
- Frederick H. Hoover – Chair, Maryland Public Service Commission
All three county attorneys outlined how each of their eastern shore jurisdictions is being forced to take on a disproportionate share of the renewable energy burden, and criticized the Public Service Commission’s implementation of “due consideration.” Worcester and Kent counties both underlined examples of renewable energy projects negatively impacting local economies and potential growth.
Chair Hoover of the Public Service Commission provided a balanced rebuttal to the conversation. As the main energy regulatory body in Maryland, the body must retain some authority to make unpopular but necessary decisions.
More about MACo’s Winter Conference:
