Read more about the article Bipartisan Bill Would Require Agencies Study Data Centers Rural Impact
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning
Bipartisan Bill Would Require Agencies Study Data Centers Rural Impact

Congress is considering legislation that would require federal agencies to assess the impact of data centers on rural communities. Congress is considering the Unleashing Low-Cost Rural AI Act, which would require the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and the Interior to jointly study the impact of new data centers on rural communities. The study would examine the effects on power grids, energy costs, and water use, as well as whether data centers could be located…

Comments Off on Bipartisan Bill Would Require Agencies Study Data Centers Rural Impact
October 1, 2025
Read more about the article Prince George’s Pauses Data Center Approvals Amid Policy Review
Energy / Information Technology / News You Can Use / Planning and Zoning
Prince George’s Pauses Data Center Approvals Amid Policy Review

The Prince George’s County Council has adopted a resolution temporarily pausing approvals for new data centers while it considers comprehensive legislation on zoning, siting, and construction standards for these facilities. On September 16, the Council approved CR-98-2025, introduced by Council Member Wala Blegay and co-sponsored by Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha and Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford, Ingrid Watson, and Thomas Dernoga. The measure establishes a 180-day moratorium on permits and subdivision plans for data centers, which…

Comments Off on Prince George’s Pauses Data Center Approvals Amid Policy Review
September 24, 2025
Read more about the article Feds Move to Revoke US Wind Approvals Off Maryland Coast
Energy
Feds Move to Revoke US Wind Approvals Off Maryland Coast

Federal officials recently moved to remand approvals for the US Wind project, citing impacts on helicopter search-and-rescue and commercial fishing. The U.S. Department of Justice has asked a federal court to cancel approval for a planned 2.2-gigawatt offshore wind project off Maryland’s coast, led by developer US Wind Inc. The government’s request would revoke the project’s Construction and Operations Plan, arguing that federal regulators underestimated possible impacts on helicopter search-and-rescue missions and commercial fishing. BOEM…

Comments Off on Feds Move to Revoke US Wind Approvals Off Maryland Coast
September 16, 2025
Read more about the article PSC Sets 2027 Timeline for Controversial Transmission Line Project
County News / Energy / News You Can Use
PSC Sets 2027 Timeline for Controversial Transmission Line Project

The PSC will not decide on the controversial line project until spring 2027. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has established a lengthy procedural schedule for the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, a 500,000-volt transmission line stretching approximately 70 miles through northern Baltimore County and Carroll County to an existing station in southern Frederick County. Under that schedule, the Commission will not issue a final decision until spring 2027. A Long Road Ahead Under the…

Comments Off on PSC Sets 2027 Timeline for Controversial Transmission Line Project
September 15, 2025
Read more about the article Howard Reduces GHG Emissions 26 Percent
Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works
Howard Reduces GHG Emissions 26 Percent

Howard County reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent, with plans to push reductions to 60 percent by 2030.  New data from Howard County's “HoCo Climate Forward: 2025 Annual Report” shows that county leaders have reduced community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 26 percent. Howard's annual rate of these reductions has increased from 2.7 to 3.7 percent based on new data. This new data puts Howard County more than a third of the way toward…

Comments Off on Howard Reduces GHG Emissions 26 Percent
September 11, 2025
Read more about the article One-Time $64M Grant Opportunity for Local Governments
Energy / Environment / Intergovernmental Relations
One-Time $64M Grant Opportunity for Local Governments

The Local Government Energy Modernization Program (L-GEM) offered through the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is OPEN. ​The mission of the L-GEM program is to support local governments as they engage in sustainable, long-term clean energy and energy-efficient projects that lead to reduced energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, increased cost savings, and robust clean energy and economic development. By empowering local governments to lead by example, the program aims to inspire community-wide engagement and drive…

Comments Off on One-Time $64M Grant Opportunity for Local Governments
August 25, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap — Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption
Cyber / Energy / Information Technology / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap — Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption

At the MACo Summer Conference, county leaders and experts examined the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in local government, balancing its promise for efficiency and service delivery with the policy challenges of ethics, transparency, and preemption. Maryland Delegate Linda Foley led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption session at the MACo Summer Conference. Full house at #MACoCon for Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption —…

Comments Off on #MACoCon Recap — Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption
August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Breaking Down the Renewable Energy Certainty Act of 2025
Energy / Planning and Zoning / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Breaking Down the Renewable Energy Certainty Act of 2025

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard both the history and implementation of one of 2025's biggest bills, the Renewable Energy Certainty Act.  The 2025 legislative session will go down in history as the "Session of Energy," with the General Assembly debating a historic number of energy bills. One of the most contested topics was how to address solar siting and balance local autonomy with state policy. Dorchester County Council President and MACo 2nd Vice…

Comments Off on #MACoCon Recap: Breaking Down the Renewable Energy Certainty Act of 2025
August 18, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Maryland’s Energy Future
Energy / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Maryland’s Energy Future

At the MACo Summer Conference, attendees heard how upcoming energy changes could impact local planning, infrastructure, and economic development.  Maryland has long aimed to lead in the renewable energy transition, with state policymakers pushing bold goals on clean energy, electrification, and efficiency. Over the past decade, legislative and executive actions have driven progress—but rising regional energy demands and shifting federal policies are creating new challenges. Senator Mary Beth Carozza led the conversation and moderated an…

Comments Off on #MACoCon Recap: Maryland’s Energy Future
August 18, 2025
Read more about the article Retrofits Outshine New Builds in Climate Fight, Says New Report
Energy / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works
Retrofits Outshine New Builds in Climate Fight, Says New Report

A new paper titled "Radical Retrofit - Adapting Cities for a Resilient Future" outlines how retrofitting existing structures has more climate benefits over new builds.  The Radical Retrofit report highlights how upgrading existing buildings—called retrofitting—can help communities meet climate goals, reduce energy use, and improve building comfort and safety. Most buildings standing today will still be around in 2050, so retrofitting is critical. While nearly 70% of surveyed organizations say they’ve done more retrofits in recent years,…

Comments Off on Retrofits Outshine New Builds in Climate Fight, Says New Report
August 5, 2025
Newer Posts
Older Posts