Read more about the article Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part III
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part III

In Parts I and II of our analysis of HB 1532, the Utility RELIEF Act of 2026, we examined new requirements related to county permitting of residential rooftop solar and study language concerning future state action on siting large-scale energy projects.  For Part III, the focus shifts from what the General Assembly passed to what may still need to be clarified. Over the past two years, lawmakers have enacted several significant energy measures, including the Next…

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May 13, 2026
Read more about the article Florida Puts New Guardrails Around Data Centers
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning
Florida Puts New Guardrails Around Data Centers

Following energy challenges nationally, Florida's SB484 places guardrails on data center development. Florida has enacted a new law aimed at making sure data center projects fully absorb the expense of high energy usage, rather than pushing increasing utility costs onto everyday ratepayers. The new law, SB484, requires Florida’s Public Service Commission to develop rules for large electric users, including data centers, so the cost of serving those facilities is not shifted to residential and small…

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May 11, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part II
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part II

In Part I of our analysis of HB 1532, the Utility RELIEF Act of 2026, we examined new requirements related to county permitting of residential rooftop solar, including more detailed software mandates, caps on permitting fees, and new enforcement authority for the Attorney General.  In Part II, we turn to study language directing the Power Plant Research Program (PPRP), along with other state agencies, to identify certain sites for large-scale energy generation and energy storage. While Part…

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May 6, 2026
Read more about the article EPA Announces Funding for Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects
County Budgets / Economic Development / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Risk Management / Transportation and Public Works
EPA Announces Funding for Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new funding to support sewer overflow and stormwater management projects across the Mid-Atlantic, including funding available to Maryland communities. The funding comes through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program, which provides resources to help local governments upgrade infrastructure and reduce pollution entering local waterways. Of the approximately $80 million made available nationwide, about $14.8 million is allocated across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland. Maryland…

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May 5, 2026
Read more about the article The Briefing Room Ep 1: Who Really Controls Maryland’s Energy?
County News / Energy / Environment
The Briefing Room Ep 1: Who Really Controls Maryland’s Energy?

The Conduit Street Podcast is launching something new. Introducing The Briefing Room, a new limited series designed to take a deeper dive into the complex policy issues shaping Maryland’s counties.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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May 5, 2026
Read more about the article Virginia Energy Legislation Could Offer Lessons for Maryland
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
Virginia Energy Legislation Could Offer Lessons for Maryland

Virginia's SB621 requires utilities to use grid utilization metrics to more effectively manage grid loads, reduce energy losses.  As electricity demand grows from data centers, electrification, economic development, and extreme weather, policymakers are looking for ways to get more out of the electric grid that already exists. One emerging focus is “grid utilization,” or better measuring how much existing transmission capacity is actually being used before assuming new infrastructure is the only answer. Virginia is…

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May 4, 2026
Read more about the article Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part I
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: Breaking Down the Utility RELIEF Act Part I

With the 2026 legislative session now in the rearview mirror, several major bills deserve a closer look. Lawmakers faced a series of consequential and time-sensitive issues this year, forcing difficult decisions that will carry lasting implications for Maryland residents, counties, and the state’s broader policy landscape.  Energy policy, in particular, took center stage. With affordability serving as the watchword of the session, there was intense focus on what the General Assembly would do to address…

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April 29, 2026
Read more about the article Frederick County Uses Libraries To Advance Sustainability Goals
County News / Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development
Frederick County Uses Libraries To Advance Sustainability Goals

Frederick County is using its library system as a platform to advance sustainability goals, combining energy-efficiency upgrades with expanded access to electric-vehicle infrastructure. Recent projects at libraries in Thurmont, Urbana, and Middletown highlight how everyday public spaces can support broader county priorities around energy use, emissions reduction, and cost savings. At the Thurmont and Urbana Regional libraries, lighting systems were upgraded to energy-efficient LED fixtures, a change expected to deliver both environmental and financial benefits.…

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April 23, 2026
Read more about the article AG Brown, MDE File Suit Against DC Water Over Potomac Spill
Environment / Transportation and Public Works
AG Brown, MDE File Suit Against DC Water Over Potomac Spill

Maryland is suing DC Water over the Potomac River sewage spill earlier this year.  Maryland’s Attorney General and the Maryland Department of the Environment have taken DC Water to court over the January collapse of a major sewer line in Montgomery County, arguing that the failure caused a massive sewage release into the Potomac River and nearby tributaries. According to the state, the rupture involved a 72-inch section of the Potomac Interceptor near the C&O…

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April 22, 2026
Read more about the article Maine Looks Toward Data Center Ban Citing Rising Energy Costs
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning
Maine Looks Toward Data Center Ban Citing Rising Energy Costs

Maine set to limit growth of large data centers over 20 megawatts.  The Maine State Legislature is testing one of the country’s most aggressive responses to data center growth. Lawmakers have approved a statewide pause on new data centers with power needs of 20 megawatts or more through November 2027, while the state studies what these facilities could mean for electric demand, customer bills, and host communities. Currently, Governor Janet Mills is undecided on whether…

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April 21, 2026
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