Energy Archives

New Study Flags 2030 Reliability Risks for PJM

A new study warns that surging data center demand could leave PJM without enough power to reliably meet electricity needs by 2030. A new study commissioned by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission warns that rapid electricity demand growth, driven largely by data center development, could push the PJM Interconnection outside its reliability standard by 2030. Under the study’s reference case, which uses PJM’s 2026 load forecast, the projected risk of power shortages would be nearly…

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September 22, 2026

Energy / News You Can Use

Maryland Clean Energy Center Executive Director Kathy Magruder Announces Retirement

Kathy Magruder, who has led the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) since its early days, has announced plans to retire after 17 years as executive director. Magruder has been involved with MCEC since its inception, first supporting foundational work to establish the statewide green bank while serving at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, now the Maryland Department of Commerce. She briefly served on MCEC's original Board of Directors before becoming executive director…

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September 16, 2026

County News / Energy / Environment / News You Can Use

National Waste Management Summit Heads to Baltimore This Fall

Local government leaders from across the country will gather in Baltimore this fall to discuss emerging challenges, strategies, and technologies shaping solid waste management, recycling, and sustainability. The Municipal Waste Management Association (MWMA) Fall Summit will take place October 26-28, 2026, at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court in Baltimore. MWMA, an affiliate of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, brings together solid waste, recycling, and sustainability decision-makers from cities, counties, regional authorities, and agencies nationwide. This…

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September 16, 2026

Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works

Deep Dive: A Primer on Data Centers

One of the fastest-growing policy issues facing county governments is the rapid expansion of the data center industry. Historically, data centers attracted relatively limited public attention and were often viewed as low-impact components of the broader digital infrastructure. However, as facilities have grown in size, increased in number, and expanded beyond traditional industrial areas, their impacts have become more visible to nearby communities and policymakers. At the same time, the General Assembly has placed increasing…

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September 16, 2026

Energy / Environment / News You Can Use

Maryland Clean Energy Summit Explores AI, Energy, and Innovation

Maryland’s energy landscape is changing quickly, and the intersection of artificial intelligence, infrastructure, affordability, and innovation will take center stage at the 2026 Maryland Clean Energy Summit, October 13-14 at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Hosted by the Maryland Clean Energy Center, this year’s Summit, “New Frontiers: AI, Energy & Innovation,” will bring together state officials, policymakers, utility representatives, energy experts, innovators, advocates, nonprofits, and industry leaders for two days of conversations…

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September 16, 2026

Energy / Environment

EPA Rolls Back Power Plant Climate Rules

EPA is rolling back power plant climate rules, with potential implications for local energy costs, reliability, public health, and climate planning. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is repealing Biden-era limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal- and natural gas-fired power plants and pursuing a separate rule that could restrict future federal regulation of power-sector climate pollution. The administration says the changes will reduce industry compliance costs, help keep existing power plants operating, and give utilities…

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September 16, 2026

County Budgets / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Finance and Procurement / Information Technology / Planning and Zoning / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works

WV Builds Data Center Strategy Around Growth and Local Revenue

West Virginia is pairing incentives for data center development with a statewide plan to distribute new revenue among host counties, infrastructure needs, and tax relief. West Virginia is positioning itself as a major destination for data center development, with state officials announcing two new projects valued at more than $81 billion. The announcements build on a broader push that state leaders say has generated approximately $96 billion in private-sector investment and more than 19,000 projected…

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September 8, 2026

Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works

New Analysis Projects Significant Renewable Energy Slowdown

Changes in federal energy policy slow renewable energy development and will likely contribute to higher electricity costs over the next decade. Federal energy policy changes could significantly slow the development of new renewable energy projects over the next decade, according to new modeling from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The analysis estimates that changes to federal tax incentives, tariffs, and offshore wind policies could result in between 390 and 540 gigawatts less wind, solar,…

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September 8, 2026

Energy / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Transportation and Public Works

More States and Localities Adopt Rental Cooling Requirements

As extreme heat intensifies, states and counties are adopting new requirements to ensure rental housing has adequate cooling. As extreme heat becomes more frequent and dangerous, state and local governments are increasingly reconsidering whether access to working air conditioning should be treated as a basic housing requirement. Houston recently adopted rules requiring landlords to provide and maintain cooling in rental units, joining jurisdictions such as Phoenix, New York City, Dallas, and Austin that have established…

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August 31, 2026

Agriculture / Energy / Feature / Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards

Frederick County Earns National Recognition for Innovation, Public Health, and More

Frederick County brought home three honors in the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, earning national recognition for programs addressing overdose prevention, agricultural innovation, and building energy performance. Overdose Prevention Efforts Earn Best in Category Frederick County earned Best in Category in Human Services for its “Narcan Deployment and Training Across Frederick County Significantly Reduces Overdose Rates” initiative. With overdose deaths in Frederick County decreasing each year since 2022, the County has taken a…

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August 25, 2026