Energy Archives

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…

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September 16, 2025

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…

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September 15, 2025

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…

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September 11, 2025

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…

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August 25, 2025

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 —…

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August 18, 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…

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August 18, 2025

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…

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August 18, 2025

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,…

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August 5, 2025

Energy / Environment / Transportation and Public Works

The EPA’s Big Climate Rollback: What It Means for Counties

EPA proposes ending federal greenhouse gas rules, shifting climate oversight to states and localities. On July 29, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed repealing the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding. This finding has served as the scientific and legal basis for regulating GHG emissions under the Clean Air Act. Its removal would eliminate the federal government’s authority to regulate emissions from major sources such as vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities. The…

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August 5, 2025

County News / Energy / Environment / Leadership / Planning and Zoning / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Annapolis, Energy, and the Future: A County Conversation With MEA

In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko is joined by Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Director Paul Pinsky and Program Manager Lacey Allor for a wide-ranging conversation about Annapolis, MEA's $64M county grant program (L-GEM), and Maryland’s energy future. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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July 25, 2025