On March 13, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1459 – Public Safety – Stationary Energy Storage Systems with amendments. 

This bill would require owners of stationary energy storage systems to fund specialized training and equipment for the local fire departments responsible for emergency response.

Counties recognize that utility-scale battery storage facilities can present unique fire and hazardous materials challenges and support efforts to ensure local responders are properly prepared.

However, counties caution that extending the requirement to residential energy storage could unnecessarily increase housing costs while addressing a significantly lower-risk category of installations. As such, MACo has requested clarifying amendments to ensure the proposed fee framework applies only to commercial and industrial-scale systems.

From MACo Testimony:

While some residences are beginning to install energy storage options, assessing a new fee on residential uses would further exacerbate already rising housing costs. Counties support the intent of HB 1459 and urge the Committee to clarify the bill’s scope to exclude lower-risk residential uses.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog