Read more about the article MACo: Utility Scale Batteries Have Issues Regardless of Solar Attachment
Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony
MACo: Utility Scale Batteries Have Issues Regardless of Solar Attachment

On March 8, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko submitted testimony to the House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1100 - Battery Storage and Solar Arrays Safety Training Grant Program and Fund with amendments. This bill provides counties with the resources to train local fire departments on how to safely handle the hazards of utility scale batteries on solar installations. The purpose of utility scale batteries is to supplement energy production when…

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March 9, 2023
Read more about the article Counties: Investment Can Transform Liabilities Into Sustainable Assets
MACo Testimony
Counties: Investment Can Transform Liabilities Into Sustainable Assets

On March 8, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko submitted testimony to the House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1139 - Solid Waste Disposal and Diversion and On-Farm Composting and Compost Use.  This bill creates several grant funds to encourage eligible entities to develop and implement on-site compositing and compost use projects. The State faces myriad challenges in confronting environmental degradation. Managing the volume of waste produced and reimagining waste infrastructure are…

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March 9, 2023
Read more about the article Baltimore Sun: Time to Update Maryland’s Energy Conservation Approach
Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations / Transportation and Public Works
Baltimore Sun: Time to Update Maryland’s Energy Conservation Approach

The Baltimore Sun Editorial Board recently published a piece outlining the need for an updated approach to energy conservation.  Those familiar with Annapolis know that a top-of-mind issue for many is Maryland's transition toward renewable energy-focused electrification. Last year's Climate Solutions Now Act sets a number of ambitious goals, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, more incentives for community solar, and a greater focus on vehicle electrification. While much blood, sweat, and ink…

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March 7, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Oppose Flawed Stream Restoration Requirements
Environment / MACo Testimony / Transportation and Public Works
Counties Oppose Flawed Stream Restoration Requirements

On March 3, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko testified before the House Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 942 - Wetlands and Waterways Program - Authorizations for Stream Restoration Projects. This bill requires the Department of the Environment to revise the extant criteria, standards, and requirements to which counties seeking to conduct stream restoration projects must adhere. As written, these revisions impose meaningful restrictions on the ability of local governments to use one…

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March 6, 2023
Housing and Community Development
Prince George’s Pass Rent Stabilization Bill, Montgomery Making Similar Moves

Prince George's Council recently passed rent stabilization legislation. Montgomery Council is considering similar legislation. Prince George's County The Prince George’s Council, during session on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, voted to support CB-007-2023, legislation establishing the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023. The measure temporarily amends the Landlord-Tenant Code to limit landlords’ ability to increase rent for tenants above 3% over a 12-month period. The bill temporarily stops excessive rent increases and helps residents stay in their homes. Under the…

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March 3, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Offer Qualifed Approval for Centralizing Septic System Management
Health and Human Services / MACo Testimony
Counties Offer Qualifed Approval for Centralizing Septic System Management

On March 1, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko testified before the House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 831 - Environment - Septic Systems - Online Database with amendments. This bill requires the Department of the Environment to develop and maintain an online database of all septic systems in the State. Under current practice, local environment health departments monitor the viability of septic systems within their jurisdictions, and variability in workload, combined…

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March 2, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Endorse Water Service Protections, Request State Funding to Offset Costs
MACo Testimony / Transportation and Public Works
Counties Endorse Water Service Protections, Request State Funding to Offset Costs

On March 1, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko testified before the House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 893 - Environment - Water Utilities - Shutoff Protections (Water Access for All Protection Act) with amendments. The Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee will consider the bill's cross-file, SB 883, on March 15. HB 893 limits the ability of water suppliers to shut off service should the customer in question demonstrate that…

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March 2, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Support Forest Conservation, Urge Implementable/Flexible Solutions
Environment / MACo Testimony / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
Counties Support Forest Conservation, Urge Implementable/Flexible Solutions

On March 1, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko testified before the House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 723 - Natural Resources - Forest Preservation and Retention with amendments. The Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee will consider the bill's cross-file, SB 526, on March 2. HB 723 serves to comprehensively revise Maryland's approach to forest conservation. The bill stipulates that all development projects must proceed with no net loss of…

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March 2, 2023
Read more about the article Changes to Forest Conservation Fund Enhance the Program’s Effectiveness
Environment / MACo Testimony
Changes to Forest Conservation Fund Enhance the Program’s Effectiveness

On March 1, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko submitted testimony to the House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 530 - Natural Resources - Forest Mitigation Banks and the Forest Conservation Fund - Alterations. This bill extends the deadline for counties to use resources distributed through the Forest Conservation Fund to aid in forest mitigation efforts, among other alterations designed to extend the Program's effectiveness. The practice of forest mitigation facilitates continued…

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March 2, 2023
Read more about the article Counties Urge General Assembly to Retain Balanced Approach to Municipal Incorporation
Intergovernmental Relations / MACo Testimony
Counties Urge General Assembly to Retain Balanced Approach to Municipal Incorporation

On February 24, 2023, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko testified before the House Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 688 - Municipal Incorporation - County Commissioners or County Council - Required Approval of Referendum Request. If signed into law, this bill would drastically alter the process by which local governments consider areas for municipal incorporation, to the detriment of counties who rightfully have a high degree of oversight under current practice. HB 688 effectively…

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February 27, 2023
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