Read more about the article PFAS: What Are They? Why Do They Matter? What’s Next?
Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works
PFAS: What Are They? Why Do They Matter? What’s Next?

For the past several years, the topic of PFAS has become increasingly prominent. The news media has stories about lawsuits, water quality, raincoats, and nonstick cookware. But, what is PFAS, and why should county leaders care? In this week's Policy Deep Dive, we look at PFAS: What Are They? Why Do They Matter? What’s Next? What Are They?  PFAS is an acronym that stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These substances were developed in the middle…

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May 1, 2024
Read more about the article State Solar Incentives Bill Mandates County Adoption of Permitting Software
County News / Energy / Planning and Zoning
State Solar Incentives Bill Mandates County Adoption of Permitting Software

On Sine Die, the House added provisions to the Brighter Tomorrow Act mandating counties to adopt specific solar permitting software. Ultimately, this version passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor.  During the 2024 legislative session, the topic of solar siting drew much conversation, with several consequential pieces of legislation being debated but ultimately failing. The one solar bill that did pass was the Brighter Tomorrow Act (SB783/HB1435). The bulk of this bill covered…

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May 1, 2024
Read more about the article Dept of Energy Unveils Plan to Hasten Power Grid Expansion
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
Dept of Energy Unveils Plan to Hasten Power Grid Expansion

The US Department of Energy unveiled a new multistep plan to accelerate power grid expansion nationally.  One of the biggest challenges in transitioning to full electrification is the current state of Maryland's power grid. In Washington and Annapolis, policymakers recognize that in order to meet their ambitious renewable energy goals, the power grid must be quickly modernized, both to harden against the effects of climate change and to expand transmission capacity. To this end, last…

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April 30, 2024
Read more about the article Anne Arundel Launches State of the Forest Dashboard
Environment
Anne Arundel Launches State of the Forest Dashboard

This new innovative online tool helps monitor and track County's forestry goals and progress to educate the public and inform policy decisions.  Last week, County Executive Steuart Pittman unveiled a new State of the Forest Dashboard. This innovative tool will help inform policy decisions and educate the public by providing a comprehensive platform for tracking and measuring Anne Arundel County's progress toward its forestry goals. According to the press release: “Passing the strongest forest conservation legislation…

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April 29, 2024
Read more about the article EPA Finalizes Standards to Reduce Pollution from Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants
Energy / Environment
EPA Finalizes Standards to Reduce Pollution from Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants

Four final rules from the EPA aim to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants, protecting community health and fighting climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a suite of final rules to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants in order to protect all communities from pollution and improve public health without disrupting the delivery of reliable electricity. These rules, finalized under separate authorities including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act,…

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April 26, 2024
Read more about the article Baltimore County Completes Largest Solar Project, Generates Approx. 800 kWh
Energy / Environment
Baltimore County Completes Largest Solar Project, Generates Approx. 800 kWh

Baltimore County recently completed a new 800 kWh solar facility, the largest the county has developed so far.   In celebration of Earth Month, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski recently celebrated the County’s largest-ever solar energy project, located on the rooftop at the Randallstown Community Center. The new cost-effective renewable energy source will substantially lower the cost of electricity at the facility – as well as its environmental impact – and is Olszewski’s latest effort to…

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April 26, 2024
Read more about the article NOAA Projects Maryland Likely to Have Extremely Warm Summer
Energy / Environment
NOAA Projects Maryland Likely to Have Extremely Warm Summer

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted Maryland has a rough 40%-50% chance of having a warmer summer than normal.  Summer projections from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show that Maryland is poised to have a hotter-than-normal summer, but experts are conflicted on whether it will be record-breaking.From June to August, Maryland is set to have a 40% to 50% chance of above-normal temperatures. This rise follows a trend of increasingly hot…

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April 25, 2024
Read more about the article 2024 Hurricane Season Set to be Extremely Active
Environment
2024 Hurricane Season Set to be Extremely Active

Forecasters predict an extremely active season with approximately 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.  Colorado State University's Seasonal Hurricane Forecasting projected 2024 to be an extremely active hurricane season with 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes. This is the most active forecast that CSU has predicted in 30 years. While the current forecast is aggressive, there have been more active seasons. According to Colorado State University, Current El Niño…

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April 23, 2024
Read more about the article EPA Opens Door to PFAS Polluter Mitigation & Remediation Requirements
Environment
EPA Opens Door to PFAS Polluter Mitigation & Remediation Requirements

The EPA has recently designated two forms of PFAS as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law, opening the door to federal mitigation & remediation requirements.  Exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. Last week, the EPA established a rule to designate two widely used PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as hazardous…

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April 23, 2024
Read more about the article Sec. Day Talks Moore Housing Package on WBAL
Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning
Sec. Day Talks Moore Housing Package on WBAL

Last week, Housing & Community Development Secretary Jake Day spoke on WBAL about Governor Moore's recently passed affordable housing package.  In the run-up to the 2024 legislative session, Affordable housing was set to be the hottest topic of the year. For months beforehand, the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development was busy crafting the three-bill package that would become one of Governor Moore's top legislative priorities. The Housing and Community Development Financing Act (SB…

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April 22, 2024
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