Dominic Butchko, Author at Conduit Street

Practical Clarification Necessary To Balance Solar Energy Growth and Farmland Preservation

On February 26, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 683 - Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Stations - Siting (Solar Siting and Preservation Credit Act of 2026). This bill would clarify that solar projects located on certain sites within a Priority Preservation Area (PPA) count toward the five percent ground-mounted solar cap established under the Renewable Energy Certainty Act…

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March 4, 2026

MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

Balancing Short-Term Rental Flexibility With Local Oversight and Long-Term Housing Goals

On February 25, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted a letter of information to the Economic Matters Committee on HB 993 - Real Property - Short-Term Rentals. MACo submits this Letter of Information on legislation clarifying that tenants may offer a leased property as a short-term rental, while reaffirming local authority to regulate these uses and prevent abusive practices such as “AirBnB arbitrage.” As counties and the General Assembly continue advancing major housing initiatives—including…

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March 3, 2026

Higher Education / MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

Statewide Zoning Mandate Threatens Smart Growth And Local Planning Authority

On February 26, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Economic Matters committee in opposition to HB 778 - Land Use - Middle Housing Options - Requirements. This bill would effectively eliminate single-family zoning in every corner of Maryland, drastically upending Maryland’s commitment to smart growth principles and challenging counties’ ability to balance new development with other state and local priorities. While counties share the State’s commitment to expanding affordable housing—and have helped…

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March 3, 2026

Housing and Community Development / MACo Testimony

Strengthening County Authority To Protect Renters, Prevent Unjust Evictions

On February 26, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Economic Matters Committee in support of HB 774 - Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies - Local Good Cause Termination (Good Cause Eviction). The bill would authorize counties to establish laws preventing landlords from failing to renew or terminating leases without just cause. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic—when eviction risks, rental debt, and employment volatility placed unprecedented strain on…

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March 3, 2026

MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

Broadened Oversight of Floodplain Projects Risks Delivery of Housing-Supporting Projects

On February 25, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 779 - Natural Resources - Riverine Siting and Design Criteria - Requirements. The bill establishes new standards for the design and siting of state and county capital projects located within the 500-year river floodplain. In doing so, it would substantially expand the scope and responsibilities of the Coast Smart Council—an entity previously focused on coastal,…

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March 3, 2026

MACo Testimony / Planning and Zoning

MACo Sounds the Alarm on Sweeping Local Planning and Zoning Preemptions

On February 24, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in opposition to SB 829 - Land Use - Multifamily Developments and Mixed-Use Developments - Authorization (Bring Back Main Street Act). As drafted, the bill would override county adequate public facilities ordinances (APFOs) and other growth management tools by effectively requiring that any commercial or recreational parcel served by public water and sewer—regardless of available system capacity—be…

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March 3, 2026

MACo Testimony / Transportation and Public Works

Tackling PFAS While Addressing Ratepayer Impacts and Implementation Feasibility

On February 24, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 719 - Sewage Sludge - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - Regulation with amendments. This bill places new limitations on the use of certain wastewater treatment byproducts that exceed specified perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) thresholds. New restrictions on the use of biosolids based on PFAS thresholds raise significant questions about cost allocation, ratepayer impacts,…

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March 2, 2026

MACo Testimony / Transportation and Public Works

Strengthening Electronics Recycling Through Enhanced Producer Responsibility

On February 25, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 655 - Electronic Device Producer Responsibility Program - Established. This bill establishes a statewide framework for a producer-driven electronic device recycling program. Counties are increasingly responsible for managing discarded electronic devices that contain lithium-ion batteries and other complex components posing fire, landfill, and groundwater risks. By reinforcing county infrastructure and preserving reimbursement for…

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March 2, 2026

MACo Testimony / Transportation and Public Works

Mattress Recycling Innovation Must Come With Practical Safeguards for Local Operations

On February 24, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Dominic Butchko testified before the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in support of SB 603 - Mattress Stewardship Program - Establishment with amendments. This bill would establish the Mattress Stewardship Program within the state of Maryland. The program is designed to shift mattress disposal and recycling responsibility to manufacturers. By creating a producer-funded system designed to divert mattresses from landfills and incinerators, the bill promotes waste reduction,…

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March 2, 2026

Environment / MACo Testimony

Advancing Bay Restoration and Coastal Resilience With Targeted Oyster Replenishment

On February 24, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 558 - Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program - Established. This bill would establish the Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program to support oyster propagation and replenishment projects in areas of the Chesapeake Bay affected by development associated with the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. By directing resources to targeted restoration efforts within the Chesapeake Bay,…

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March 2, 2026