At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard both the history and implementation of one of 2025’s biggest bills, the Renewable Energy Certainty Act.
The 2025 legislative session will go down in history as the “Session of Energy,” with the General Assembly debating a historic number of energy bills. One of the most contested topics was how to address solar siting and balance local autonomy with state policy.
Dorchester County Council President and MACo 2nd Vice President Lenny Pfeffer led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the “A Discussion of the Renewable Energy Certainty Act of 2025” during the Rural County Coalition Annual Breakfast at the MACo Summer Conference.
☀️ At #MACoCon, rural county leaders explore the Renewable Energy Certainty Act — with Bob Sadzinski from @MarylandDNR. #Dorchester Council Pres. Lenny Pfeffer is leading a Q&A on solar siting and balancing local autonomy with state energy policy. #MACoCon #MDcounties pic.twitter.com/rXGX7nCkNO
— Dominic J. Butchko (@DomButchko_MACo) August 14, 2025
Panel speakers included:
- Bob Sadzinski, Director, Power Plant Research Program
- Dom. Butchko, Director of Intergovernmental Relations, MACo
Bob and Dom walked through the legislation and what it means for county governments. Highlights included new siting standards for projects above 1MW, a new DG-CPCN review and approval process for certain projects 2-5MW, and limitations on solar development in PPAs and in tiers 1 and 2 growth areas.
Also check out MACo’s recent breakdown of the bill – Deep Dive: Maryland’s Pivotal 2025 Actions on Solar Energy Policy.
The session was on August 14th at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
More About MACo’s Summer Conference:
